THE MAGAZINE OF LAURISTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL // December 2012

Live it. Learn it. Love it. From the Principal

Teaching for the 21st century Lauriston Life The magazine of Good teachers make a positive Professor John Hattie of the University Professors Andy Hargreaves We also ask our teachers to difference in the lives of young people, of has undertaken years and Michael Fullan argue that participate in learning groups, which Lauriston Girls’ School and many adults can recall particular of meta-analysis on research relating governments should be making are focused on specific elements teachers who helped them to develop to the nature of learning, and his work long-term investments in the of the School’s Strategic Plan. These Lauriston Girls’ School their individual talents, or consider in this area has shown that, of all the ‘professional capital’ of teachers. learning groups have to date 38 Huntingtower Road career options or life paths. If our 21st variables that affect student learning, Hargreaves and Fullan write: ‘Countries undertaken a wide range of tasks, Armadale Vic. 3143 century teachers are to continue to teachers have the most significant and communities that invest in including reviewing curriculum, make a positive difference, schools impact. To achieve improvement in professional capital recognize that developing new programs, trialling must continue to enhance teacher learning, teachers must first, Professor educational spending is a long-term and implementing our new online t: +61 3 9864 7555 professionalism and to reflect deeply Hattie proposes, be passionate and investment in developing human learning management system (see f: +61 3 9822 7950 on all key aspects of teaching and inspired. He further defines teacher capital from early childhood to adult overleaf) and reviewing transitions at e: [email protected] learning. excellence when he identifies the key life … A big part of this investment is key year levels. www.lauriston.vic.edu.au characteristics of ‘expert teachers’. in high-quality teachers and teaching There is a growing body of research Learning groups enable us to use CRICOS number 00152F … Getting good teaching for all about teaching and learning, and Expert teachers, he writes in Visible a distributed leadership model, learners requires teachers to be highly ABN 15 004 264 402 we have moved a long way from Learning for Teachers: Maximizing whereby teachers who have expertise committed, thoroughly prepared, the autonomous teacher in the Impact on Learning (2012), have and interest in a curriculum area continuously developed, properly PRINCIPAL classroom, standing in front of a class ‘high levels of knowledge and that is under review can lead the paid, well networked with each other Susan Just and imparting his or her knowledge. understanding of the subjects that investigation and review process. They to maximize their own improvement, We have also moved away from a they teach’ and are able to can thus become part of change and and able to make effective judgments EDITOR perception of students as passive can be part of the implementation of • guide learning to desirable surface using all their capabilities and Marina Johnson recipients of knowledge, without an new initiatives at the School, while also “Mrs Drewe, our principal, who taught and deep outcomes’ experience’ (Professional Capital: active role in the learning process. participating in professional learning. me Latin and the finest values of Transforming Teaching in Every School, PRODUCTION • successfully monitor learning and integrity, fairness and putting others Teaching is no longer about filling 2012). To critically reflect on one’s teaching, Katie Garrett provide feedback that assists students first. Mrs Boddington, who opened the up empty vessels – our students – so as to be in a position to enhance to progress’ At Lauriston, professional learning is treasures of Australian literature to me. with content from our subjects, but learning outcomes for one’s students, CONTRIBUTORS a core focus for our teachers, as is Miss Kennedy, who taught me how to is about engaging our students in is a significant task for teachers. • attend to the more attitudinal collaboration. Jenny Bars study. Mrs Winchester, who despaired meaningful dialogue, and activities, so attributes of learning (especially At Lauriston, our teachers’ active Andrew Borthwick over my maths. We didn’t use the term that they actively participate in their developing self-efficacy and mastery Teaching is a complex activity, and commitment to the continuous Katie Garrett then, but they were our role models. own learning and invest their time in motivation)’. teachers do not work in isolation. A key re-evaluation of their practice is Joan Hammonds They offered a quiet, straightforward developing a deep understanding of theme in current educational research observable in the dialogues between Ann Hooper message that we girls could do their chosen subjects. The Australian Government, like is the value of teacher collaboration teachers, whether in formal or informal Fiona Ireland anything if we set our minds to it.” governments around the world, is and the opening of classrooms so settings, that take place throughout The information explosion of the late Marina Johnson giving attention to the education that colleagues can observe each the School every day. Our teachers’ —, AC, CVO, 20th century and early 21st century is that we must provide to our children other’s teaching practice and provide capacity for collaboration, and their Nene Macwhirter Governor-General of Australia overwhelming, and, while the teacher and young people in order to ensure Sam Ridley valuable feedback. openness to change, is just as evident remains responsible for imparting core I very much enjoyed reading My that they are equipped to meet the in their participation in our learning Kellie Ryan knowledge, his or her role is now also Research findings show that teacher Favourite Teacher, a compilation of demands of life in this increasingly groups – where the focus is squarely Nick Thornton focused on providing young people collaboration – which includes the personal stories by Australians from all complex century, and capable of on curriculum, student learning, and with the tools they will need if they shared development of work for walks of life, edited by Robert Macklin. making a contribution not only in teaching methods that will deliver the Design and printing are to be effective lifelong learners. students; discussion about individual I have chosen to begin my final their own society but also in a global best possible outcomes for our young Impress Print Management Knowing how to learn has become students’ progress; analysis of student Lauriston Life article for 2012 with an context. The Australian Institute for women. a vitally important skill because performance; the sharing of strategies excerpt from the piece that Quentin Teaching and School Leadership lifelong learning is essential in a world for improvement of student outcomes; Susan Just Bryce contributed to this volume. (AITSL) has been established to where what needs to be learned and the sharing of resources – can Principal I have done so firstly because the develop national standards for is expanding at an exponential make an important contribution to message that our Governor-General teachers and principals, and, in the rate. Moreover, employers are more the teaching and learning process. At offers about strong female role models coming years, teachers and school interested in employing individuals Lauriston, high levels of collaboration is an important one, and secondly leaders will be required to meet Cover who can continue to develop their are evident in both Junior School (see because I have my own affiliation with those standards and ‘the expectation A camel ride at sunset was a knowledge and skills. article on page 7) and Senior School. her old school, in that [they will] actively engage in highlight of the Noonkanbah trip In addition, we encourage support , where I was a teacher and professional learning throughout their (see page 14) for individual teachers through later Head of English. careers’ (Australian Charter for the Professional Learning of Teachers and the opening of classrooms so that School Leaders, 2012). teachers can observe each other.

2 3 Senior School HOWQUA

‘Just Moodling …’ A setting for unique teaching and learning opportunities

‘What’s Moodling?’ I hear you ask. ‘Is it Moodle via their daughter’s login functions that teachers can use to something like doodling?’ protocol). Moodle is a fantastic assist students to remain on track with resource for students who need to their learning. For instance, tips on how Well no, not really. be absent from school because of to approach assessment tasks, as well ‘Moodling’ simply means using illness or travel commitments, or for as reminders about due dates, can be Moodle, a respected and widely other reasons. They can simply log in sent to students as email messages adopted web-based learning to Moodle and catch up with the work delivered through Moodle. Moodle is The truly remarkable aspects of spans two subjects – Environmental peer relationships, and group management system (LMS). Now in they have missed. Being away from also able to log the dates on which working at Howqua include the Science and Humanities. The students dynamics; acquiring outdoor skills; use at Lauriston, Moodle provides school no longer has to mean anxiety students submit their work, and so variety of teaching spaces available, also observe the effects of erosion and learning about and building an electronic platform for learning about falling behind. And one of the provides teachers with a useful tool the creative ways in which our staff at Wild Dog Creek, and see how this resilience and physical fitness. best things about Moodle is that it can as they monitor student learning and make use of the beautiful natural erosion is being managed; measure documentation and other learning Some of what the girls learn is of a be accessed from anywhere in the achievement. environment in which the Howqua the water quality and flow of the resources, and has the potential to very practical nature. Following the world! campus is situated, and, of course, Howqua River; and complete a study simplify and streamline, for the benefit completion of each outdoor program Lauriston teachers piloted Moodle in the learning opportunities – many of of the effects of altitude on the of all of our students and teachers, activity, the students join their teachers Another advantage of Moodle is that 2011, and the system was adopted which could never be duplicated in vegetation found on Mount Stirling. learning-related communications for an extensive debriefing session. it can be used to create forums where by all of our Senior School teachers an urban setting – that we are able to within the School community. These projects are additional to the Debriefings are a forum at which the students can continue to discuss, with earlier this year. Our new learning offer our Year 9 girls. So what does a learning their classmates and their teacher, management system is already activities offered by Howqua’s outdoor girls’ experiences in the outdoors are management system look like? It is less ideas explored in a particular lesson proving successful and was used We are fortunate to have access program. The amount of learning discussed in depth, as are the lessons complicated than it sounds – Moodle or series of lessons. Teachers can effectively by students revising to a natural environment that is and teaching that takes place in the learned: if you do not put your tent is a bit like a classroom version of post additional resource material in their class work in preparation for characterised by diversity. ‘The Flat’ course of the outdoor program is up properly, you will probably get wet Facebook. Teachers using Moodle can response to student questions. Moodle end-of-year examinations. Now the (the land below the buildings on sometimes underestimated, because overnight; not inflating your sleeping upload an array of learning materials, is thus truly interactive as it enables question most commonly heard our campus), Wild Dog Creek, the the learning occurs outside the mat leads to a poor night’s sleep; including lesson plans; learning tasks the extension of learning beyond the around Senior School is not ‘What is Howqua River and Mount Stirling all traditional confines of the classroom. not preparing and cooking proper or activity sheets; readings; and links to classroom, for all students. Moodle?’ but ‘How did we manage provide unique learning opportunities. Our outdoor program is in fact meals means you are going to be other study resources, such as videos, before we had Moodle?’ A major project of the Howqua year is experiential education at its very hungry in the morning, and lacking in In addition to hosting lesson content audio files, and images. Students are a biodiversity study that the students best, with the students learning about the energy you will need for the day and related resource material, and Nene Macwhirter then able to access these various undertake on campus; the project decision making, communication, ahead … facilitating online discussions, Moodle Deputy Principal / Head of Senior materials online (parents can access requires the use of Google Maps, and leadership, personal responsibility, features various administrative School

4 5 Howqua junior School

Teaching in Junior School: A changing paradigm

Keeping a nature diary is a further Creek, the Benalla Art Gallery, the Sustainability and Environment, helping learning opportunity for the girls. Weary Dunlop memorial at Benalla, out at Jamieson Wildlife Shelter, or Each student has a diary in which, and finally Beechworth. broadcasting on Radio Mansfield 99.7 The teaching profession continues to of 21st century learning is isolated For the staff who teach our Year 5 throughout her time at Howqua, she FM – the list goes on. So many aspects of the Howqua evolve in response to the challenges teaching … Transforming schools into and Year 6 students, collaboration records observations made at several associated with educating our year are designed specifically to Offering a variety of experiential 21st century learning communities has led to the development of areas around campus, noting the children and preparing them for their enhance our students’ life experience. learning opportunities, together with a means recognizing that teachers strategies to ensure that all students changes through the seasons, jotting future in a rapidly changing world. Part Living in a group environment, the wide range of programs and a diversity must become members of a growing have the opportunity to access and down specifics on flora and fauna, of our mandate as teachers is to keep girls – supported by our dedicated of teaching spaces (many of them in network of shared expertise’ (Induction move through curriculum at a pace and including drawings, personal abreast of significant research around pastoral care staff – acquire essential the natural environment), and staffed into Learning Communities, 2005). appropriate to their individual needs. reflections and poems. ‘the science of teaching’, in order to The staff regularly meet to share life skills as they gain an increased by highly dedicated teachers and The staff in Lauriston’s Junior School ensure that we engage, and remain student data and to discuss and Opportunities for experiential understanding of the importance of assistants, Howqua continues to equip have worked tirelessly, over a number relevant to, today’s children. reflect upon how effectively they are learning are also offered by Howqua’s cooperation, community, leadership, Lauriston girls with skills and strengths of years, to ‘deprivatise’ their practice. meeting the needs of each and every challenging and engaging academic integrity, personal responsibility, and that will benefit them throughout their In many areas of education, teachers As a result, we have moved away from student. and music programs. Teaching resilience. The development and lives. have habitually done most of their the norm of isolation to a new norm: and learning regularly take place consolidation of life skills in these key work in isolation, cut off from the Sam Ridley collaboration. This kind of team-based approach to outdoors, and students are involved areas is also a core objective of our support of colleagues. Working in teaching and learning is a powerful Assistant Principal, Howqua At all year levels, our staff now work in in an amazing array of musical leadership courses, and an important isolation – with classroom doors means of achieving improved student collaboration with each other. Many performances, both on campus (e.g. aspect of our community service closed, and with individual teachers outcomes. It also fosters in our young effectively ‘team-teach’. Team-teaching at the Discover Howqua Day) and in program. operating according to their own learners a strong sense of learning as is the ultimate experience in shared the nearby communities of Jamieson ‘private’ business models – has a shared experience. In Term 2, the community service and collaborative teaching practice. and Mansfield. become the professional norm. program sees the students spend This increasingly popular model As teachers, but, more importantly, The students’ Regional Tour takes in two days a week, for three or four If we are to prepare students to sees teachers share their ideas and as a community of learners, we many of the towns and districts in the weeks, assisting local communities. succeed in the 21st century, we expertise; critique each other’s work, look forward to increasing our own vicinity of Howqua and provides a The girls’ community service projects must acknowledge that no one and problem solve collaboratively; professional capacity as we work wonderful opportunity for the girls to encompass a diverse range of person can or should take on this seek each other’s views on individual together, in close collaboration, to explore the region’s history, culture and activities: from assisting in a local crucial task without the support and students’ progress; discuss student provide excellence in all aspects of environment in the context of the Year primary school, working in an aged benefits of collaborative work. As the work; and jointly plan content – all with our work with the children in our care. 9 Humanities, Art and Environmental care facility, or helping the local authors of a report prepared for the a view to constantly improving their Ann Hooper Science curriculums. The tour runs community in Jamieson in a variety National Commission on Teaching teaching and, above all, to enhancing Deputy Principal / Head of Junior over several days and includes visits to of ways, to undertaking a project with (US) in 2005 have argued: ‘The most outcomes for the children in their care. School Mansfield, Powers Lookout, Stringybark Parks or the Department of persistent norm that stands in the way 6 7

A beautiful noise: Innovative teaching in our

the concept of ‘a beautiful noise’ and the meanings that it held for them, both individually and as part of a group.

In 2001, Carla Rinaldi, a leading proponent of the Reggio Emilia approach, wrote: ‘How can we help children find the meaning of what they do, what they encounter, what they experience? And how can we do this for ourselves?’ (Making Learning Visible, 2001).

These questions are particularly relevant to our whole-Kindergarten learning project. As the children began to think more deeply about beautiful noise, and the forms it might take, our highly skilled staff gave them every opportunity to freely express their ideas. The staff, in turn, learned from and moved with the children’s ideas At the beginning of each year, the launched with the question ‘What and imaginings. educators in Lauriston’s Kindergartens is a beautiful noise?’ As the children The richness of the Beautiful Noise decide on a ‘big idea’ that will responded, our teachers themselves project lay in the incredibly different become the basis for a learning became learners, listening to and Wombat Group focused on music. The learning. Through constant reflection, together in the generation of ideas, imaginings that the children came project in which all of the children will reflecting on the prior understandings Dolphin Group was inspired by a nest we as educators determine how the planning of an action, and then up with, and in their collaborative participate. This year we were inspired brought by the children to this of mice discovered in the garden; the learning is occurring – the process in the execution of that action, and contributions in their groups. In by the words of the Neil Diamond song question. The teachers then shared children were able to watch the mice will be different for every child – and discussion of it. our four-year-old Kindergarten, the ‘A Beautiful Noise’. Whenever visitors their learnings with each other and through the window and listen to the how we can best encourage the Kookaburra Group listened to the Our whole-Kindergarten learning walk through our Kindergartens they discussed their ideas – based on the noises they made. children to be the very best they can noise of friendship, discussed it, and project is not about art; it is about hear beautiful noises everywhere input from the children – about how be. As educators, we are influenced decided how to represent it visually; For some of our three-year-olds, it was the complex process of knowledge as the children learn, interact with the project might unfold. Here the by the theories of the pioneering the Lyrebird Group did the same the noises made by wild animals building as the children, supported each other, play, and explore their focus was on the learning that would developmental psychologist L. S. for noises in their environment; the that caught their imaginations; for by their teachers, create meaningful environment. occur as the children further explored Vygotsky, who talks about the ‘zone of the others, it was the sounds of the understandings and connections. proximal development’ – the distance The idea of a whole-Kindergarten weather. Building knowledge in this way is between a child’s existing capabilities response to a single theme takes its central to the Reggio Emilia approach. How could eight groups of and the capabilities attainable by the inspiration from the schools of Reggio children bring such a diversity of child when guided by adults (or by ‘What children learn does not follow Emilia in Italy. This concept calls for understandings to the same concept? peers). as an automatic result from what is a team approach to learning – one We were constantly amazed by the taught. Rather, it is in large part due that involves the whole community. Our central job as teachers is to children’s rich thoughts, imaginings to the children’s own doing, as a The community works together on a activate, indirectly where possible, and ideas, which they verbalised consequence of their activities and group project, while also recognising the meaning-making competencies through discussion, and visualised own resources’ (Loris Malaguzzi, in The the contribution made by each child of the children. We must endeavour through drawing, painting, or making Hundred Languages of Children, 3rd to the group’s understandings, and to capture the integral moment three-dimensional forms, using clay, edition, 2012). the project is then presented in various and then to find the right approach plasticine or recycled items. ways to the wider community. so that fruitful dialogue can occur Fiona Ireland As a project such as A Beautiful Noise and the children’s meanings and Co-Director of Kindergartens A whole-centre group project begins unfolds, it is flexible and innovative interpretations can be gathered and with an initial investigation, as the teaching that guides its progress and documented. As Vygotsky reminds project theme is presented to the ensures the relevance of the children’s us, thought and language operate children. This year’s project was

8 9 art at lauriston

New ways of seeing, new ways of making

Kate’s studies in Communication example, if the girls are learning about techniques but bringing their own Design, and her work in the field paper, they explore issues such as the personal flair and creativity to their of graphic design, have equipped origins of paper, or the origins of art pieces. her with a high level of knowledge forms such as origami, thus gaining ‘I’ve been very impressed with the about, and expertise in, the new and insights into specific cultures and the girls’ ability to recognise Kusama’s emerging technologies that our Visual modes of creativity that they have techniques and style, as well as Arts / Visual Communication students developed. their ability to recognise Kusama in will eventually need to master. Terry believes that this approach everyday life,’ says Terry. Kate is committed to sharing with her assists the girls to establish a closer ‘Kusama has recently collaborated students her love for design. In the connection with the art they study, with Louis Vuitton to produce a classroom, she creates a vibrant and to recognise that art is made by spot-covered capsule collection that positive environment and encourages everyday people, and to understand includes shoes, handbags, shirts, skirts, the students to develop their skills that they themselves can create art sunglasses and other accessories, all through the use of a range of creative direction, branding, visual and become artists. featuring her signature dots. traditional and digital media. merchandising, industrial and product ‘In Term 3 I focused on Japanese artist design, interior design, architecture, ‘I was amazed that many of the girls Kate sees Melbourne as a hub for Yayoi Kusama,’ says Terry. film, multimedia, animation, publishing, returned from the September school art and design. ‘Melbourne has such and photography – just to name a ‘She is a great example of a female holidays and said they had seen a rich artistic culture and there are few. Lauriston graduates who studied artist who is working well into her and recognised Kusama’s art in the always events, markets, workshops, Visual Arts or Visual Communication at eighties, yet is still considered to be windows of various Louis Vuitton stores, exhibitions and installations around school have been inspired to pursue very current. Girls from Prep through some of them overseas.’ the city that promote and celebrate careers in all of these areas, as well as to Year 5 were exploring Kusama’s contemporary artists and designers,’ Terry’s classes often include ‘Walk and in the visual arts, marketing, and event artworks and using these works for she says. Kate encourages her Talk’ – an activity whereby the girls are management. inspiration.’ students to explore art and design in asked to walk around the classroom, Melbourne, visit galleries, follow trends ‘We believe that the reason a number Terry had the girls explore aspects of choose a piece of work they like, and in furniture design and interior design, of our students decide to pursue Kusama’s art such as her use of eye then say three positive things about it. and read The Design Files Daily – a creative careers is the artistically motifs, faces in profile, dots, circles, ‘I encourage the girls to analyse the blog on contemporary artists and stimulating environment Lauriston triangular shapes, and borders, as well styles used, and comment on various designers and what they are creating. provides,’ says Kate Murray. as her use of colour. The students also aspects, such as the use of shape, had to really think about what makes The 2012 Year 11 Visual All teachers within Lauriston’s Arts patterns or limited colour,’ Terry says. her style unique. They responded Communication students were given Faculty are constantly updating to Kusama’s work by creating their Katie Garrett a very real opportunity when they their skills and seeking new ways of own artworks, utilising some of her Communications Officer were invited to work with the operators engaging students. Both Kate and the of a local eatery, Baby Blue Café, School’s Head of Arts, David Morrison, to revamp the business’s branding. are members of the Council of Visual Traditional methodologies remain the ways of seeing; and that they are able Exploring such concepts as ‘taste’, Communication Victoria, which meets foundation of art education; however, to explore fresh approaches to the use ‘slice’ and ‘daily harvest’, each student once a month to discuss, among other an awareness and understanding of materials. developed a brief, backed up by matters, how schools can effectively of contemporary art practice and research, for design concepts that introduce new curriculum initiatives Art teachers not only help shape their theory is also a necessity in today’s communicated a fresh and seasonal in Visual Communication. Both Kate students’ technical development; they classrooms. approach. The operators of Baby Blue and David also run professional also foster creativity, engage students’ worked with the girls on a final design development presentations at In the world of art, ideas and concepts critical thinking, and support them brief and provided ongoing feedback conferences for Visual Communication are continuously evolving, in line with in their desire to seek and embrace on their work. teachers. societal and technological change. innovation. Lauriston strives to remain at the This exciting opportunity may lead to In Junior School, Terry Abraham is Kate Murray, who is our Year 8 forefront of art practice in schools, the production of Baby Blue business encouraging our younger girls to look Coordinator and one of our Visual Arts and our art teachers are committed cards, menus and signage designed at art in a different way. / Visual Communication teachers, to ensuring that their students have by our students. is, like her colleagues, passionate So as to bring additional depth access to contemporary art in all about the use of innovative teaching Such real-life projects give the girls and intellectual content to the girls’ its forms, as well as to current ideas methodologies, together with current the chance to see what is possible for learning, Terry links this learning, about the functions of art; that they technologies, in art education. them in the future – careers in graphic wherever possible, to an artist, a have freedom to experiment with new design, web design, advertising, culture, or a historical context. For 10 11 mUSIC at lauriston mUSIC at lauriston

Teaching for life

Music is a pursuit where the lessons continue his exploration of his craft, in Craig focuses on encouraging the never end. Musicians constantly the most practical sense, exemplifies girls to perform with determination and reflect on and refine their skills in an important lesson that we wish passion; performances can only be order to maintain and develop their to teach our students: that being dynamic when musicians approach practice, and many of Lauriston’s a musician is a lifelong journey – a the stage believing in themselves and instrumental/vocal music staff, as journey that can continue to enrich in the music they are about to play. well as some of our classroom staff, and reward, well beyond one’s school Over the past three years, we have work as professional musicians within years. been thrilled with the growth in the Melbourne’s busy arts scene. Craig’s Percussion Ensemble is always numbers of string students at our Our percussion teacher, Craig Beard, a highlight of our Annual Concert. Prep to Year 2 campus, Blairholme. has performed for many years with the The ensemble has performed Brazilian Ursula Rowe has been instrumental jazz ensemble Frock. Frock, which was and other Latin American music, as in creating the exciting violin vibe at formed in 1995 and incorporates the well as Japanese music, and the girls Blairholme; her positive manner and distinctive combination of vibraphone, have even used brooms and chairs her encouragement of all Prep–2 accordion, guitar, bass and drums, has as their instruments! Craig’s repertoire students have shaped an environment released a number of CDs and has choices vary from year to year so that, where the girls see learning an toured both Australia and Europe. over time, the girls are exposed to an instrument as a fun thing to do, as enormous variety of melodic, rhythmic well as something that can achieve This year, Craig has chosen to refine and stylistic differences. Every new wonderful results. his orchestral percussion skills by piece builds on the students’ existing accepting engagements with various The girls adore playing the violin, and knowledge, and as a result the girls orchestras and has performed both the majority study violin with Ursula or are able to consolidate both their orchestral and opera repertoire with Paula Lee, an Old Lauristonian, understanding of music and their In recent times Ursula’s Blairholme The interactive data projector installed throughout 2012. His readiness to who also teaches violin at Blairholme. performance skills. String Group has nearly tripled in size, in Music Room B has allowed us with its membership expanding from to offer our students a number of eight young players to twenty-two! The exciting new composition projects String Group performed a number in the classroom, and to incorporate of times this year, at assemblies and composition and improvisation into concerts, and its performances have the curriculum we offer our extension been greatly enjoyed by students, staff students. We are thrilled that we can and parents. now engage the extension groups through the use of music technology As we will have nine experienced activities that will allow them to explore violinists in Year 3 next year, we have music in a way that truly encourages decided to make some changes to freedom and creativity. the Junior string program, which forms part of the Music curriculum for all girls Kellie Ryan in Year 3. A concurrent program for the Director of Music experienced violinists will provide them with extension activities during their group lessons, and these girls will also serve as mentors to their peers during Orchestra rehearsals. The experienced girls will continue as usual with their individual lessons, where they will continue to develop their reading, technical and musical skills.

12 13 Student Experiences Student Experiences

Noonkanbah Year 10 & 11 students visit Turkey

During the June–July holidays, five Alphonse de Lamartine, the French simple. We know, for instance, that it On a more prosaic note, we learned Year 11 girls and one staff member set poet, wrote that ‘if one had but a takes about five minutes to walk from that in Cappadocia ice cream off on what would be a journey of a single glance to give the world, one Europe to Asia, if you can avoid the stretches like bungy cord and that lifetime to a remote Western Australian should gaze on Istanbul’. Perhaps hawkers and touts on the bridge. We dessert can be made of chicken. station – Noonkanbah. he meant that Turkey sits at the know that Othello uses an apt figure We ate our final supper on a rooftop crossroads of the world, and that to of speech when he compares his terrace in the lee of the Galata Tower, Before we left Melbourne, Ms stand in Istanbul is to stand in the vengeance to the ‘icy current and with a view of the old city … and very Hammonds and Mr James gave us middle of history and culture. We compulsive course’ of the Bosporus, few of us could face another kebab. the necessary information with regard saw the evidence of this everywhere but that the waters of the Black Sea Herodotus writes that, after Xerxes’s to Aboriginal life and customs. There is we went: the great monuments and are in fact a deep Mediterranean first pontoon bridge across the one tradition where members of the subtle reminders of the peoples that blue. We know that good morning in Hellespont was destroyed by a storm, community must change their names moved across Anatolia. The things we Turkish sounds similar to German. he sentenced the waterway to three if someone with that same name has learned, however, were often quite recently passed away; some of the hundred lashes and branding with hot Lauriston groups who have visited the night, there was an abundance of cultures with one another. In particular, irons. It took him seven days to take his Noonkanbah have had one name excited chatter about what the next we would like to thank Mr James for army across the second bridge. We change – we had two! week was about to bring. accompanying us on the trip and found it easier to use the ferry. providing us with many fun memories The trip to Noonkanbah was an Every day at Noonkanbah brought We learned a lot about Gallipoli. and precious pieces of knowledge. experience in itself; as well as clocking unique and exhilarating adventures. It might be the scale of the place up about seven hours in flying Although each day was different, Words cannot express the excitement that is most striking. We’d done the time, we spent another six hours on we would generally wake around that our group felt when we were readings, but it is hard to appreciate the hot and dusty roads of WA. By 7.00 am and enjoy breakfast in our finally reunited with some of the without seeing them just how unlikely the end of our car trip we were all house. Soon after, the air raid siren– Noonkanbah girls a couple of weeks it was that anyone could have made decidedly exhausted (having gorged like school bell would ring and we ago. Even though it was only a few it up those cliffs. Standing on the ourselves on chips and gotten a little would set off to Kulkarriya Community days, the hours that we spent with our open ground between the opposing lost), but Noonkanbah Station was School, where we were always invited friends from Noonkanbah brought a trenches of ‘the Nek’, an area much well worth the wait. As soon as we to participate in pre-class skipping well-deserved, relaxing and enjoyable smaller than the Lauriston sports field, passed through the gates we were or with the kids. This was break from the business of Term 4 and one might see the sending of the first greeted by the joyous smiling faces particularly enjoyable as we were filled our hearts yet again with sweet, wave of men as incompetence, yet it of a group of small children jumping able to establish relationships and get unforgettable memories. is hard to disagree with Les Carlyon on a trampoline with the incredibly to know the wonderful Noonkanbah that the third and fourth were more like Although we are thousands of idyllic sunset in the background. As community, who treated us like family, murder. kilometres away from Noonkanbah, we settled into our cosy cottage for and we them too. Before lunch we each one of us will always have a Andrew Borthwick often helped the children in class; piece of this special, peaceful and English teacher each one of us found this especially happy place in our memory and, rewarding, as we were able to help even more so, in our hearts. Thankfully, them establish skills for life such we are in regular contact with the as reading and arithmetic. Each children, exchanging phone calls afternoon at Noonkanbah was always England and Scotland tour 2012 and letters and always, without doubt, memorably different from the last, but, dreaming of the time when we may Venturing beyond the school playing This year, Lauriston was able to provide better of us in these games, as both no matter where we were, we girls meet again. To say that it was a field on school sports tours can be students with the opportunity to play teams unfortunately went down to the always ensured that we made it back life-changing experience doesn’t do one of the most inspiring activities for netball against like-minded schools in opposition. However, all was not lost to the general store for our obligatory Noonkanbah justice – it was home, young athletes. It provides students England and Scotland. A very excited as our opponents were not only great 3.00 pm Cornetto ice creams. and will be forevermore. that have a passion for sport the group of fourteen Year 10 and Year 11 competition, but very welcoming and The days at Noonkanbah seemed opportunity to push their skills to the girls and two staff travelled extensively friendly. Emily Buckland, Tracey Chau, limit and experience international throughout the United Kingdom to pass at the speed of light and, Our next opponent was Westonbirt Alexandra Jeuniewic, Ashley sporting culture while expanding their visiting various sites, playing many before we knew it, we were , where we stayed for two Moorhead & Lucy Yang knowledge of the world and their matches and forming new friendships our return flight back to a cold and nights in the dorms with the sixth-form (Year 11) status as well-rounded individuals. along the way. gloomy Melbourne. We girls would like students; it was really interesting to Whether they are aspiring sports stars to warmly thank the School for giving Our first stop was the seaside town see how the boarders live. The girls or fans of the game, the chance to us this rare opportunity to connect of Eastbourne, where we played enjoyed having us stay with them compete in an international setting with the original owners of our land our first match, against Eastbourne and we were lucky enough to have can be a particularly galvanising and exchange our similar, yet different, College. Perhaps our jet lag got the them teach us to play their school’s experience. 14 15 Student Experiences congratulations

Acknowledging our students’ achievements

Chloe competed in the Ruby has been selected as 2012 Berthe Mouchette the Victorian representative for Competition, run by the VGen (the youth arm of World Alliance Française, and Vision Australia). was awarded 1st prize Hors-concours, in both the oral and the written category.

Chloe Higgins Ruby Rockman (Year 12) (Year 11)

England and Scotland netball tour 2012 Michelle has secured an invitation to the Georgina was awarded an Australian Science Olympiad Summer Associate Diploma of Music School, to be held at Monash University in (AMusA) in Clarinet. Georgina ‘best’ sport, lacrosse. The architecture games were incredibly fast-paced and – qualities the Lauriston netball team January 2013. achieved a Distinction, which of the school, which was built in 1860, required a huge effort by everyone evidently produced, as the ‘battle’ puts her in the top 10 per cent of Michelle was awarded this sought-after was very old and beautiful; walking on court. The games resulted in between the Aussies and the Poms successful candidates in 2012. Her opportunity on the basis of her AMusA is a qualification in music down the corridors reminded us of a win and a loss by the Lauriston resulted in a green and gold six-to-four outstanding results in the highly performance. Georgina will attend Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. We teams, both by very small margins, win. We were proud to represent not competitive Australian Science Olympiad a graduation ceremony at the spent the morning visiting the Roman and both Australian and Scottish only Lauriston, but Australia. Exam in biology. Only twenty-five other University of Melbourne early next students who sat the biology exam have year. baths, followed by a stop at the historic teams celebrated with a delicious been selected to take part in the 2013 Before ending the trip we had our Stonehenge. We had two afternoon homemade afternoon tea. For our Olympiad Summer School. From this Georgina also won the 16 Years final stop in London, where we saw Michelle Wong Georgina Frazer games against Westonbirt and were second and last day in Scotland, we course, four students will be selected to and Under (Woodwind and Brass) the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, (Year 11) represent Australia in the 2013 International (Year 10) section in the 2012 Manningham victorious in both. travelled on the cliché double-decker Biology Olympiad, which will be held in Eisteddfod. Westminster Abbey, Buckingham red tour bus, and had a look around Switzerland. The next morning, we visited Windsor Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Castle, where we saw the changing and Harrods. We also experienced At the end of Term 3, Lauren Alice placed 2nd in the inaugural competed in a major alpine ski racing Ron McNicol Vocal Award, offered of the guard and had a look at the We left Scotland by train, to head the London Eye, which had amazing competition, the FIS Australia New by the Musical Society of Victoria. amazing view from the castle walls. to our second-last destination, panoramic views of the city. Our last Zealand Cup. Lauren obtained three She also obtained 2nd place in We also travelled to Stratford-upon- Cambridge. We went punting, which is night in London included a medieval top-10 results in slalom and giant the 2012 Manningham Eisteddfod, slalom. In ski cross, she finished 5th in the 16 Years and Under (Song) Avon, where we took a leisurely boat propelling the boat with a pole along banquet, a dance off, and a tube ride and 6th behind Australia’s World Cup section, with her own choice of ride along the river, then visited the river, where we saw many of the home. The next day was our last day racers. Lauren’s results move her overall song, and was awarded the Treble the childhood home of William thirty-one colleges of the university, of sightseeing. Both girls and teachers world ranking to 65th, and 2nd for Tones Encouragement Award by her age, earning her the right to start the adjudicator at the Eisteddfod. Shakespeare. and learned about the history of discovered more of the city of London, competing at World Cup level. Lauren Alice placed equal 3rd in the 2012 Cambridge. We had a guided tour and got the chance to go shopping will head to Colorado in December Eisteddfod by the Bay, in the 16 Years Our next netball match was against to train and compete from her and Under (Song from a Musical of Cambridge on foot where we along Oxford Street. Lauren Hurley-Pearson Alice McNab Shrewsbury School, a historic boys’ Steamboat Springs base. Production) section. observed the interiors of some historic (Year 10) (Year 10) school that had just started accepting We would like to say a massive thank buildings, such as King’s College, and girls in their sixth form, which is Year you to Mrs Baddeley and Miss Amott explored the town itself. Our fifth and 11 in Australia. We played against for making this trip as amazing as it last match was against Hills Road In September, Julienne won Golf Australia’s Over Melbourne Cup Week, Beattie, all-girls teams, both games proving was; we all had such a great time. Sixth Form College. Against great Victorian Junior Girls’ Championship. This is as a member of the Australian to be extremely tough, but luckily the We highly recommend this trip to any the premier junior event in Victoria and a U-17 Women’s National Team, competition, we won one game and games resulted in two close victories netball-loving girls and it was truly national and world ranking event. Julienne competed in pre-qualification lost the other. won against very highly ranked players and rounds of the Asian Football [Soccer] to Lauriston. After our lovely meal great to be a part of the first Lauriston in extremely testing weather conditions. Confederation (AFC) U-16 Women’s provided by Shrewsbury, we had We played a total of ten games netball tour. We can’t wait to hear Championship, which were held in a four-hour bus trip to Edinburgh, while in the UK, against five different what happens on the next tour! In October, Julienne played in the Australian Manila. Beattie is one of only two Final of the Aaron Baddeley International Victorians in her squad. The team Scotland. We visited the royal yacht schools. All opponents were extremely Junior Championship (ABIJC), and qualified Stephanie Augustes (Year 11), convincingly beat Thailand, the Britannia and Edinburgh Castle, both friendly and the games brought out as one of only two girls to represent Australia and Burma (Myanmar) Julia Bell (Year 11) & Claire Lazarides beautiful landmarks, and then played our best netball skills, as the great in the 2012 ABIJC World Final, which is being and now progresses to the next (Year 10) played at the Lion Lake Country Club, in round, to be played in China in the toughest match most of us had and sometimes difficult competition Julienne Soo Beatrice Goad Guangdong province, China, as Lauriston November 2013. ever played: we played against the demanded focus, teamwork, (Year 10) Life goes to press. Teams from all around the (Year 9) Scotland Representative Team. Both endurance, performance and spirit world compete in the ABIJC World Final.

16 17 congratulations staff profiles AND NEWS

2003, teaching Year 1 and Prep. Today Jane then was able to gain ADC Acknowledging our students’ achievements Jane teaches Prep. / Walker Learning Approach accreditation, and by 2011 the ADC Jane very much enjoys teaching the was in place in both Prep and Year 1 Prep girls. She wanted to become a at Lauriston. In Term 3 Olivia won the Victorian In the previous issue of Lauriston Life, we teacher from the age of ten, and she Interschool Div 3 Cross Country missed some of Charlotte’s achievements cherishes having the opportunity to be Jane says that her greatest Classic race at Mt Buller and came on the slopes this season. Charlotte placed privy to, to nurture, and to enjoy, young achievement in her teaching career second in the Australian interschool 1st in the King of the Mountain, for PGS Championship held at Perisher. snowboarding and GS snowboarding, and children’s sense of wonder, curiosity, has been her role in introducing placed 2nd for BX (all in the Grommets creativity and imagination. She is and realising the Walker Learning Olivia also won silver in the Australian female division). At the Victorian Interschools fascinated, too, by how the magical Approach at Blairholme, and she Cross Country Ski Championships competition, in both GS and BX events, Women’s under16, 5km Freestyle race Charlotte placed 1st (Division 4 Girls), and and the make-believe can contribute is very proud that Lauriston is the at Falls Creek. the Lauriston team, consisting of Charlotte, to the learning experience. first independent school in Australia Tess Coady and Lucy Roper, came first in Olivia Jeffrey She placed 3rd in the Victorian Cross Charlotte Batten accredited to deliver this unique (Year 8) (Year 6) both events. Charlotte was also joint winner Country Skiing Junior Championships Jane also enjoys implementing the of the Mei-Lan Whan Cup for Outstanding developmental program. Women’s Under 16, 2012 Freestyle Jane Curran Australian Developmental Curriculum Achievement in Snow Sports Snowboard – distance and 3rd in the Victorian Cross Country Skiing Junior Primary Girls. (ADC), an approach that combines In her spare time Jane enjoys Women’s Under 16, 2012 Classic Sprint at Falls Creek. Jane, who completed a Diploma of explicit teaching with child-centred spending time with her family and At the Australian Interschools, Charlotte placed 2nd (Division 4 Olivia has been selected for the Victorian Junior Cross Teaching at Toorak State College and Female) for the GS event and 7th (Division 4 Female) for the BX event. learning, and investigation. The ADC friends, cooking, travel, going to the Country Ski Team and will spend the Northern Hemisphere a Bachelor of Education degree at was developed by educator Kathy ballet, eating out, and gardening. winter training and racing with the team in the US. Victoria College, first joined Lauriston Walker, a highly respected academic Emily and Yumi, who Matisse competed in in 1982, teaching Years 1 and 2. with expertise in curriculum and in are part of the Refine the 2012 Manningham child development from birth to twelve Cheer and Dance Jane then went on to teach in the Eisteddfod and was years. company, participated awarded an Honourable UK, at South Hampstead High School in the Australian All Mention in the 12 Years (Girls’ Public Day School Trust). Star Cheerleading and Under (Woodwind In 2009, supported by a Fellowship Championships, held in and Brass) section. Returning to Melbourne, she taught Grant from the Lauriston Institute, . The girls’ team at Melbourne Grammar School, at and in consultation with Lauriston placed 3rd in Australia. St Catherine’s School and at Fintona management and fellow staff, Jane Emily Evans Yumi Newman Matisse Andrews Girls’ School. began trialling the ADC with Prep (Year 8) (Year 8) (Year 7) students. The trials were conducted Jane returned to Lauriston, to teach under the guidance of Kathy Walker. Chloe won the Freeskate Year 1, in 2000, and returned again in 2 program (11 Years and Over) at the 2012 National Federation Challenge in . She also placed 1st in her division at the Crystal update her qualifications in order evident in her work with the children Challenge Figure Skating to teach here, so she completed an and staff of Lauriston’s Kindergartens. Competition, and won the Early Childhood degree at Monash Fiona frequently attends professional Southern Cross Trophy at the Victorian Figure Skating University and then a Bachelor of development programs so as to

Ellen Ho Alana Vanzo Isla Randall Chloe Di Gemma Championships. (Year 5) (Year 5) (Year 4) (Year 5) Education degree at the University of further her knowledge in the area of Melbourne. When Fiona took herself early childhood learning, and so that Ellen, Alana and Isla competed in the Regional Athletics back to study, she had three young she can continue to maintain current Competition. All three girls managed some amazing results at a very tough level of competition. Ellen placed 3rd in the 10 Years high children. best practice. jump and triple jump. Isla placed 4th in the 10 Years hurdles. Alana placed 2nd in the 11 Years 800 metres, and went through to the After completing her studies, Fiona Fiona is enjoying her new position as State Athletics Championships, where she placed 9th in the state. worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital, part-time Director of Kindergartens where she was a play therapist, setting at Lauriston. She is in this role three Bridgette performed Helena placed in the top 10 up learning experiences for young days a week, and teaches in our admirably in the Alliance in the Victorian Interschools Française’s Berthe competition and qualified children (aged from infancy to eight three-year-old Kindergarten (Michael Mouchette Competition, for the Australian Interschools Fiona Ireland years). Before coming to Lauriston, House) two days a week. Fiona placing 2nd overall for individual events in snowboard, Fiona also worked at Shelford Girls’ finds her new role challenging, but poetry recitation (Year 5). boardercross, skier cross, cross country, and moguls. Grammar, where she took up a at the same time very rewarding Fiona began teaching at Lauriston, kindergarten teaching position with as she becomes more familiar with Helena then placed 3rd in moguls at the nationals. During in our Kindergarten, in 1996. At that one of the school’s three-year-old the Michael House and Niall House Bridgette Noonan Helena Lansell the ski season she also placed time, the Kindergarten was situated in groups. children and their families. (Year 5) (Year 4) 2nd and 3rd in the two Mini Huntingtower Road in an old Victorian Grand Prix events. When asked why she became a Outside Lauriston, Fiona pursues house. Fiona completed her Diploma teacher, Fiona says that she was many interests, which include cooking, in Early Childhood in England, before always fascinated by the development reading, movies, walking, holidays and settling in Australia, but needed to of young children. Her passion is travel. 18 19 staff profiles AND NEWS staff profiles AND NEWS

Trevor is currently VCE Coordinator. In Trevor loves teaching, and he enjoys this role, he works very closely with the seeing the delight on the faces of girls, providing support and advice as students when they realise they have they face the challenges of the VCE; fully grasped a difficult mathematical assists staff by providing them with concept or have succeeded in information about the VCE; and liaises solving a challenging maths problem. with the VCAA, the body that oversees Trevor has found that the teaching the VCE. Trevor has found the role of of mathematics has changed VCE Coordinator incredibly rewarding dramatically in the past thirty-three but he is standing down from the role years, particularly with the increasing in 2013, to concentrate on his passion emphasis on the use of technology. – teaching mathematics. He says that developing a passion for mathematics in all of his students, Trevor completed a Bachelor of especially those who find maths Education degree, with a double Trevor Smith difficult, is his greatest challenge mathematics major, at Rusden as a teacher. In his endeavours to Teachers College in 1979. He began make maths fun for all his students, Trevor started at Lauriston in 2007, at teaching in 1980, in government he is continually searching for new the same time as the Class of 2012 secondary schools in the western Highlights of the tour included: • ‘Vibrant Communities’ tour by approaches and new ideas to bring Joan Hammonds were beginning Senior School. That suburbs of Melbourne, and progressed girls from Bahay Tuluyan. These into the classroom. Lauriston’s Community Service • hearing the stories of Moteh, Diane group of girls has been particularly to the role of Assistant Principal in two sixteen-year-old girls took us on a Coordinator, Joan Hammonds, and Lazarus, who have suffered so special to Trevor, as he has been schools. He was Principal of Hoppers In his spare time, Trevor is a sports walking tour of Malate, introducing recently visited an organisation much in their sixteen years. All now involved with them, as a Tutor and/ Crossing Secondary College for two enthusiast who enjoys watching any us to the shoe mender, street children focused on helping Filipino street work for Bahay Tuluyan. or Coordinator, for each of the years, resigning from this position sport – though he is most passionate children. We invited Joan to tell us who sold flowers, pedicab drivers past six years. At the recent Year 12 when he decided to seek other about his beloved Western Bulldogs. about her experiences. • homestay with a family in Malate. whose families slept in the pedicabs Parents and Students Dinner, Trevor roles in education. He then worked He also loves travel, and over the My hostess made me welcome but at night, and the shop where women delivered the speech to the Class in educational consulting, until a holidays he and his wife are going on During the Term 3 holidays I was part insisted that I slept in her daughter’s made bags from recycled plastic of 2012, speaking on behalf of the decision to return to the classroom a cruise to . of a group of nine teachers who went house, which, unlike her own, was containers. Afternoon tea of fried Lauriston staff. He says that he felt very saw him join Lauriston as a Maths on a Children’s Rights Study Tour for furnished. I was given a mattress on bananas and cake was served on the honoured to be invited to speak on teacher. Teachers to the Philippines. the floor while the three children who median strip of a busy intersection, as this important occasion. we talked to the street children. Bahay Tuluyan was founded in 1987 normally slept on it managed on the living room floor. The house had no in response to the growing number • the mobile unit that takes education running water but was clean and the of street children in the Malate and a meal of rice, beans, coconut children’s clothes, in particular their area of Manila. It has developed milk and sugar to the children who live school clothes, were spotless. The an alternative education program, on the streets. using a ‘child-to-child’ approach that people I met were friendly, resilient and taps into participative learning and good-humoured. cooperative work for children.

Bahay Tuluyan operates in one square kilometre of Malate and has centres in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. The tour’s itinerary gave us a comprehensive understanding of the issues surrounding street children in metropolitan Manila. During the ten days of the tour Bahay Tuluyan’s Development Manager, Melbourne lawyer Catherine Scerri, conducted forums on street children, health and education, and trafficking and abuse. The statistics she gave us illustrated the enormity of the problems facing this poor, natural disaster–prone country where corruption is endemic, with an estimated 250,000+ street children, 80–90 babies born every day and unemployment of 35 per cent.

20 21 FAREWELLS FAREWELLS

The introduction of the role of never have predicted the course her pressures associated with performing particularly enjoyed teaching her School Nurse, and the opening of own life’s journey would take, adding up to six nights a week – in a variety of senior classes and preparing them for a dedicated Health Centre at the that she wouldn’t have changed it for roles. After six months, Jill was happy their VCE performance assessments. School, saw Elaine’s duties change. the world. to go back to the relative financial She says that the highlight of her The advent of computer records, security of teaching, but, she says, ‘At career at Lauriston has been her Now there will be more time for together with the reallocation of the end of each school day, nobody involvement in the School’s drama swimming, which Elaine very much certain aspects of her job, then saw clapped’. productions, despite the long hours enjoys, and she looks forward to Elaine’s position become part-time. For of extra rehearsals, and the inevitable continuing her drawing classes, to On her return to Melbourne, Jill the last few years, Elaine has enjoyed last-minute panics. attending U3A, to travelling more, and decided to continue her studies and working in the Senior Library, where the to spending more time with family and she completed an Honours degree ‘Over the years, Lauriston has pace has certainly been a change friends. at Monash University. She wrote her produced many entertaining, moving, from the frenetic pace of Student thesis, on Australian drama, while at dramatic and visually beautiful Services. home raising her two young sons. She productions, from an extensive variety Elaine Hutchinson During her time at Lauriston, Elaine has Jill Scott went on to teach at Sacré Coeur for of theatrical genres,’ says Jill. ‘But by worked under three principals. She fifteen years. During this period she far the most rewarding aspect of has formed many friendships at the joined the VCAA, creating and refining all these productions has been the School, and says that she has been Jill joined the Drama Department the initial assessment criteria for VCE transformation of each raggle-taggle Elaine joined Lauriston in 1997, to work struck by the expertise and dedication at Lauriston after many years of Drama and VCE Theatre Studies. Jill cast into cohesive, committed, poised in Student Services. At that time her of Lauriston’s high-quality teaching teaching, both here in Australia and has been assessing both subjects and talented performers experiencing role involved running Sick Bay; first staff. in the UK. When she first arrived in for the VCAA ever since external the reality of the magic of theatre.’ aid, both on campus and at sporting London, in the 1970s, Jill took a break assessment began. In 2003, having events outside the School; monitoring Elaine says that coming into contact from teaching and joined a theatre been teaching at Xavier College, Jill student absences; organising students’ with past students and finding out company, performing and travelling joined Lauriston. school bus tickets; locker allocation; what they have made of their lives has in northern Italy. She found her stint and looking after lost property. All of added to the rewards of her job. She in professional theatre exciting, and Jill has taught all year levels at this was before the widespread use of says that twenty years ago she would an opportunity to gain practical Lauriston, in both Junior School and computers. experience with stagecraft and the Senior School, but she says that she

‘When I started at Lauriston, the Reggio At Lauriston, Linda has worked with Emilia philosophy had just been three principals, and with dozens of introduced. It was such an inspiring, colleagues in the Kindergartens. family-friendly environment. I loved it ‘When I started, Ruth Tideman was from the beginning,’ says Linda. the Headmistress, Mary Major was Over the past fourteen years, Linda Kindergarten Director and Robyn has worked in both the three-year-old Ambler and Fiona Ireland were Kindergarten (Michael House) and teachers. Robyn went on to become the four-year-old Kindergarten (Niall Director of Kindergartens, a role she House). During her time at Lauriston now shares, on a part-time basis, with she has worked closely with hundreds Fiona,’ Linda says. of children and their families. ‘I’ve had the pleasure of working ‘I’ve loved the interaction with the with so many wonderful teachers, Linda Ironmonger children and their families. Working and Kylie Robertson, who taught in in kindergartens is hands-on and the four-year-old Kindergarten, was messy, and there’s definitely no room an absolute inspiration. Kylie was a It was long-term Lauriston for glamour, but it is such a rewarding brilliant teacher who was passionate Kindergartens staff member (and occupation. The children, and the about her profession.’ Lauriston Old Girl) Edie Winters relationships you develop with both Linda is looking forward to spending (Mollison, 1973) who convinced Linda the children and their parents, are more time at the beach at Lorne. to join Lauriston, in 1999, as a part-time something I will really miss,’ Linda says. Assistant in the Kindergartens.

22 23 Lauriston Institute FROM THE ARCHIVES

Teaching – how things have changed! Mrs Mary Phillips: An inspirational teacher

Current research tells us that in their learning, and be aware of and Mary Phillips joined the staff of Mrs Phillips was in many respects an teaching is the single most important able to respond to their individual Lauriston in 1945, as a part-time unusual figure in the classroom. Few determinant of how successfully a learning styles and needs. teacher of Geography. She women teachers of her day were student will learn. In fact, most experts immediately made an impression married; even fewer were mothers believe that upwards of 50 per cent And then, of course, an exponential upon staff and students alike, with her of young children. Yet Mrs Phillips of student success is teacher-related. increase in the amount of information unfailing good humour and sense of managed to combine her two roles, Other factors that clearly contribute available to teachers and students fun. Described by one of her former and more besides (though she are good school leadership (about alike, primarily via the internet, has also students as ‘a dumpy little woman with routinely had to rush home from 15 per cent), and socioeconomic altered – monumentally – the way we a very cheerful manner and a glorious Lauriston at lunchtime, to catch up background (about 35 per cent). teach. smile, who could make everything so on domestic chores). As one of her interesting that we all adored her’, Mrs colleagues has noted: ‘Few people Many of us experienced a fair amount Lauriston teachers have always Phillips became a full-time member of fitted so much into each busy day and of didactic teaching during our own responded to change with energy, the Lauriston staff in 1948, taking all the night and still had time for a friendly schooldays. Until relatively recently, dedication and creativity. Our senior classes for English Expression word with others. A husband, home Mrs Phillips tackles two students during the prevailing pedagogical models teaching staff today continually and Literature. Her skills as a teacher and four children, with a full-time staff–student baseball match, 1950. held that teachers were the font of examine, reflect on and evolve their were reflected in the outstanding teaching position, still seemed to all knowledge in the classroom. They practice against a backdrop of results of her Matriculation and leave time for producing plays and were expected to stand before their unprecedented change, both societal Leaving classes, and are attested to magazines, and joining in many classes and deliver information, or to and technological. Committed to today by the love of literature, fostered outside intellectual activities’. write it on the blackboard – so that understanding and meeting the together. This is at the core of learning by Mrs Phillips, that so many of the girls the students could transcribe it word needs of 21st century students, our in the school environment, and is While Mrs Phillips is chiefly she taught have cherished over the for word. Teachers who encouraged teachers continue to successfully also central to the development of a remembered for her inspirational years. group work and student discussion engage our highly intelligent, focused lifelong love of learning. teaching, she is also remembered by and resourceful group of learners. were sometimes regarded with slight Nick Thornton her students for her role as producer of suspicion! Shakespeare Day – an annual event – The key to successful teaching and Director, Lauriston Institute and Dramatic Club performances. Her But that was yesterday, or rather learning is the subtle blend of a caring greatest triumph was in 1953, when yesteryear. professional and personal relationship she wrote and produced Lauriston’s between teacher and student, and Coronation Pageant, an elaborately Program for the Coronation Pageant, 1953. Today, teaching is vastly different. a willingness to take risks in learning choreographed celebration of the No longer is the teacher the central became an eagerly anticipated coronation of Her Majesty Queen focus of students’ learning – he or annual tradition. she now plays a much greater role Elizabeth II. Another fond memory as a learning facilitator. This means Mrs Phillips in the classroom, 1959. for many Old Lauristonians is of Mrs Mary Phillips was married to Arthur a more personalised approach, and Phillips’s 1955 production of Enduring Angell Phillips, the writer, critic and a willingness to try different teaching as the Camphor Tree (1948), a play schoolmaster who, in a seminal article strategies. Doug Lemov in his book ‘in the Chinese style’ by Australian for the journal Meanjin in 1950, coined Teach like a Champion (2010) playwright Russell J. Oakes. For the term ‘cultural cringe’. In 1952 Mrs articulates how an array of teaching opening night, Mrs Phillips organised Phillips and her husband together and learning strategies can be a special Chinese dinner for the cast. produced an anthology of writings integrated into the teacher’s practice. This must surely have been the first titled Presenting Ideas, a book that Many of the innovative strategies time that many of the girls had tasted would be widely used in Australian described by Lemov are in evidence Chinese food but the event, held in the schools during the 1950s. Containing at Lauriston today. School’s staffroom, was an unqualified texts by writers ranging from success, and the opening night dinner Thucydides to Bertrand Russell, the It is not only teaching that has Mrs Phillips, 1956. anthology was designed to expose changed; so too have the students to a variety of views and a Apology expectations of learners. Students variety of writing methods. As one in this second decade of the 21st In the September issue of Lauriston Life, the ‘From the Archives’ article was accompanied former Lauriston girl recalls, Mrs Phillips century expect that they will have a by autographs and drawings produced by Lauriston students in the early 1940s. stood out as a teacher because direct relationship with their teachers. One drawing depicted Adolf Hitler, and it has been brought to our attention that the ‘she introduced the idea of sort of Quite properly, they expect that their general explanation offered about the autograph book from which this drawing was questioning what we’d been taught or teachers will take a personal interest reproduced did not make the drawing’s context sufficiently clear. It was not our intention, or the intention of the young artist, to portray Hitler in a positive light. The drawing was what adults had told us …’. intended as a condemnation of Hitler, and as a negative reference to one of the most shameful periods in human history. Jenny Bars We offer our apologies to any reader who may have been offended by the drawing. Archivist

24 25 Community News Community News

My favourite teacher Alumni profiles Although a child may have A colourful character in herself, she Equal favourite teacher auspiciously when I won an ARC grant many teachers during his brought passion into the classroom Kath McGrath, Music teacher and, without being able to (together with Associate Professor or her education journey, (and also my piano teacher) remember any particular incident, I Mark Edele of UWA) to research there are often one or do recollect looking forward to her Her level of accomplishment displaced persons from the Soviet two who leave a lasting classes with a lot of enthusiasm. was extraordinary! Her Union who came to Australia in the wake of the Second World War. impression. We asked two Old That she was able to transmit that commitment to us and our passion for reading to us – certainly musicals (Hello, Dolly!), many Lauristonians to share their The Russian Revolution is the best to me – is something for which I madrigals and choirs, summer seller of my books (I think it’s set for memories of their favourite remain very grateful. choir camps (complete with a Year 12 in Victoria), but mainly I have box of Mills & Boons), and all teachers. written about the Stalin period, notably the rest, were unforgettable. I still Erika Feller (1966) in Everyday Stalinism (1999) and Tear Clare Scott (Wells, 1982) love it when I talk with her on the United Nations Assistant High Off the Masks! Identity and Imposture Clinician scientist phone in Brisbane. Commissioner for Refugees in Twentieth-Century Russia (2005). I’m Favourite teacher currently writing a book about Stalin Favourite teacher & His Team, which is connected to my Miss Coffee, Chemistry teacher Mrs De Fossard, English teacher earlier ARC grant on Stalinism (with Stephen Wheatcroft of the University of What made this teacher so What made this teacher Melbourne as CI). special? so special? On the personal side, my husband, She made science (chemistry) Michael Danos, was a theoretical She had a very attentive and accessible and interesting. Added to physicist born in Riga who died, alas, in ‘hands-on’ teaching style. She which, I really love coffee! gave the impression that she was 1999; it seemed particularly sad that, genuinely interested in what you Her classes were fun, including on the with his great curiosity about the world, had to say. She taught by nurturing, last day of school when she tolerated he didn’t make it into the new century. not telling. She was certainly not us all in drag. I still have a photo, My nephew Brian and niece Meg, as one of the teachers who felt their including her with a lovely smile on well as my sister-in-law Georgina, are responsibilities began and ended her face. now based in Melbourne after many with writing up the lesson on the years in Ireland, where my brother I had such a good feeling about David lives. I still play the violin, as I science; it’s now thirty years later, Ms Kath McGrath did all through my Lauriston days, and I’ve never left! I work as a cancer mainly string quartets now. After doctor and researcher and am forty-eight years away (!), Australia is thrilled every day that I am a scientist both recognisable and enormously – great job, always evolving. It’s hard changed. Part of the pleasure of being to get funding so get the best training back is just to see the gum trees, you possibly can. the jacarandas in bloom, and the Sheila Fitzpatrick (1957) on my thesis took me to Moscow for a Moreton Bay figs. I entered Lauriston in 1st Form in 1946 total of eighteen months in the years and went all the way through to 1967–70, which I’m writing about in a Matric in 1957. second memoir, A Spy in the Archives.

From there I went on to the University I stayed in England for eight years or of Melbourne and did Honours Arts in so and then in the early 1970s moved to America, where I remained for many Mrs De Fossard history and music with a bit of Russian years, teaching at Columbia University blackboard for silent transcription on the side. Then to Oxford in 1964, in New York, the University of Texas at by the students. She taught us how where I did a DPhil in modern Russian Austin, and for the last twenty years, to understand, not just how to read. history. until my retirement in June of this year, She was also very broad-minded This part of my life, up to my father’s the University of Chicago. when it came to what should be death in 1965, I’ve written about in considered ‘good literature’ and was a memoir, My Father’s Daughter: I’ve just moved back to Australia as an always supportive, not censoring, of Memories of an Australian Childhood, Honorary Professor at the University of eclectic tastes. Miss Coffee published by MUP in 2010. Research Sydney, an appointment that began

26 27 Community News Community News

Alumni profiles News of Old Lauristonians

In the 1990s, I returned to Australia to I started my Master’s at the University There is a push to have Murujuga I went on to study early childhood the UK and . take up the position of Head of Voice of in April 2011, placed on the World Heritage List; and special needs education, and She has lived in the Republic of at the Canberra School of Music at studying on a part-time basis as I work industrial development on the fine arts. Since 1997 I have been a Ireland, taken 350 horse riders on a ANU. full-time as a consultant archaeologist Peninsula will have to be kept in check full-time artist. I am currently writing thousand-kilometre horse trek from in . My thesis is focused so as to not further impact the art. a book, Someone’s Looking over Me, By this stage, I had two beautiful Melbourne, over the Great Dividing on rock art at Happy Valley, a Industrial expansion can no longer which I hope to publish in 2013. young children, and an architect Range, to Canberra, and has spent rocky outcrop located on southern be an option when unique art not husband, David (from Adelaide), in View Jayne’s work at much time in the US, visiting her Murujuga (Murujuga is the Aboriginal found anywhere else in the country tow. When he arrived in the ACT, he www.jaynenorrie.com.au. daughter who lives there and her name for the Burrup Peninsula). and world is at risk. No one would said, ‘I think not,’ and promptly got a children. contemplate a gas processing plant job in Sydney, commuting to Canberra Aboriginal art is a spectacular next to Chauvet or Stonehenge! Jan spends her leisure time tending a weekly. Coming from Melbourne, I had expression of Aboriginal people’s forest in northeastern Victoria and is a always thought Sydney a great place connection to country, and the stories passionate environmentalist. to visit … but live? After two long years, that form this relationship. To be able we finally all moved to Sydney, where to study how people in the past Jenny Scobie (Russell, 1970) we now live. marked the landscape for different Despite being often told by the purposes (ceremonial, resources, Many of my students are singing Headmistress that my voice was etc.) and to work with the Traditional professionally all over the world – ‘vulgar’, I went on to become Owners on their heritage is a privilege. something of which I am very proud. an opera singer who performed Currently I teach young voices – In my thesis I am looking at the extensively both nationally and Jan Deans (Rodd, 1967) having become interested in the different rock art figures, engravings of internationally. ‘changing’ voice (both male and anthropomorphs, animals, tracks and After leaving Lauriston, Jan graduated Jayne Norrie (Lake, 1961) from the Melbourne Kindergarten After attending both Melbourne and female) when my boys were at school. geometric figures, and seeing if I can Jayne writes: Teachers’ College and has since had Adelaide Universities, I went to London find any patterns in the distribution I do occasional concerts and a long career in education, having to continue my singing studies. I was of these throughout the landscape. I recently travelled from Sydney to adjudicate competitions throughout obtained specialised qualifications Sara Cook (1979) fortunate enough to gain employment By looking for these patterns, we Melbourne to attend a significant Australasia – but my main focus is my in dance education and in the visual Sara writes: within a few months, and spent the can begin to understand how past event at Parliament House. During the teaching and my family, which now and performing arts. She graduated next fifteen years singing throughout Aboriginal occupants used and event, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu Catching up with old Lauriston friends includes a ten-month-old grandson, from the University of Melbourne with a Europe. perceived the land. offered a formal apology for former in the year everyone has been turning Ted. Master’s in Education and is currently Victorian governments’ past adoption fifty has led me to reflect on my time During this time I worked and studied I spend a lot of time on the Dampier completing her PhD. She says that she practices that forcibly removed tens since leaving Lauriston over thirty years with a generation of singers and Archipelago, which has the highest feels a bit old to be still studying, but of thousands of babies from their ago. concentration of rock art in the world. teachers, many of whom had direct mothers. I attended the event to that she is enjoying the challenge. Ninety-nine per cent of Murujuga is links with some of the greatest support my birth mother, Nita. Since leaving Lauriston, I have trained Jan has taught in early years, primary composers and performers of the late included on the National Heritage as a nurse specialising in oncology and tertiary education, and for 19th and early 20th centuries. List; however, the remaining 1 per An article in the Age (26 October and have also gained a Master’s the past twenty-five years she has cent of the area recommended has 2012) tells a few of the terrible and in Business Management. Having My first professional operatic role was been employed at the University been kept off the list, earmarked for painful experiences these young worked as a consultant in health care, Miss Jessel in Benjamin Britten’s The of Melbourne as a Senior Lecturer industrial expansion. unmarried girls of fifteen or sixteen predominantly in the area of aged Turn of the Screw at ‘the Maltings’ – a in Education (Early Years). She has years of age went through. care, I have been able to combine my wonderful concert venue built by the In 2009 it was calculated that less published several textbooks and skill set in establishing a new business, great British tenor Sir Peter Pears and than 14 per cent of Murujuga has I was very fortunate that my arranged scholarly articles. Signpost Life Management Solutions. Sir Benjamin Britten on their property been heavily impacted by industrial adoption was to a Melbourne family Jan has two sons and three daughters. in East Anglia. I sang opposite Sir Peter development, which means that who sent me to Lauriston. I attended Signpost provides a comprehensive Her youngest daughters have in what were to be his last operatic there is a significant amount of ‘Little Lauriston’ and remained at service to the elderly and their families just graduated, in law and urban performances. intact cultural heritage (rock art, the School until the end of 6th as they navigate the maze of aged planning respectively. Jan also has six Lucia Clayton Martinez shell middens, artefact scatters, grade, when my adoptive father care. Signpost’s holistic approach During my career I also worked grandchildren, two of whom were born (1993) stone arrangements, etc.). This has was transferred to Sydney to run includes a review of care, lifestyle, with, among others, Elisabeth and live in the US. a great scientific importance, but Myer Western Stores. At the age of legal and financial issues and options, Schwarzkopf, Hans Hotter, Gerhard After graduating from Lauriston, I twelve I found my life changing as I more importantly this means that the Jan has travelled widely, particularly to ensure individuals have in place Hüsch, Victoria de los Angeles, Dame studied a year of art history before moved from Lauriston to , cultural heritage of the Aboriginal in relation to her work. Having opened a clear plan for ensuring that their Felicity Lott, Graham Johnson and changing over to archaeology. I Wahroonga. The headmistress at Traditional Owners is preserved, a Boorai: The Children’s Art Gallery, at wishes are met. the great Australian pianist Geoffrey completed my undergrad in Madrid, Abbotsleigh, Betty Archdale, was part of their past and informing their the University of Melbourne, she has Parsons, who became my regular at the Universidad Autónoma de also head of the Australian Women’s Outside of work I love to travel, and I try present. organised international child art accompanist. Madrid. Team, which meant we all had to take a month off each year to travel exchanges with China, , the US, to play cricket! 28 29 Community News Community News

News of Old Lauristonians News of Old Lauristonians overseas. Last year I spent a month in It has been a busy year, as there is a During the rehearsals I met film Nick blind, unable to walk or talk, and Business Chic has seen me Turkey and the trip prior was trekking significant shortage of specialists in director and opening ceremony requiring constant care. photograph fellow Old Lauristonians in Nepal and cycling parts of northern areas such as food allergy and severe producer Danny Boyle (whose film at events such as the 10-year A fun run to raise funds for Help Kids India. I have plans for an African safari eczema, with waiting lists at the public credits include Slumdog Millionaire), reunion, and Bryony Cole, with whom Like Nick will be held in Queensland in next year. hospital up to eighteen months. and was also picked to do a day of I reconnected via Twitter. I enjoy April 2013. filming with (UK rapper) Dizzee Rascal. the freelance opportunities I get to For more information on Signpost, visit I am now pregnant with my second cover fashion events but I also enjoy www.signpostlms.com.au. child, and we have decided to leave Our rehearsal venue changed to a For more information, visit being able to style, and to inspire Brisbane and return to Melbourne at huge parking lot where we did all our www.helpkidslikenick.com.au. professionals about what they can Fatima Kola (2000) the end of the year, as we have all our blocking (of where we were going to wear to work – more interesting things family and support networks there. be standing on stage). The first session After graduating from Lauriston, than the corporate suit! I’m currently was beautiful and sunny but for the Fatima moved to London, where she I plan to start up work in Melbourne doing a project with one little black rest of the time it rained! completed two degrees: an LLB and either by late 2013 or by early 2014. dress (LBD) that I’m wearing to work an LLM. In 2010, she received her PhD, Next it was on to the stadium. I once a week for the whole year so in international human rights law, from stepped into the stadium on a rainy that I can share fifty-two different ways University College London, where she day in mid June and the set just of styling an LBD for the office. I’m was a Teaching Fellow at the Faculty of took my breath away! Despite the presently up to week 35 of the project, Laws and a Bonnart-Braunthal Scholar. continuous rain, Kenrick and his team which I also hope to turn into a book drilled us, and we danced in ponchos for all those who are interested in From 2010 to 2012, Fatima worked as until 10.00 pm. Fortunately the hot exploring the versatility of this classic a pupil and tenant barrister at Garden Rebecca Werther (1995) chocolate, sandwiches and Pringles item sit on the board of the Awesome Court Chambers, London, which is Rebecca writes: kept us going. Finally the weather Foundation – Melbourne, a group that renowned for its human rights and turned and we had a sunny week for each month awards a mini-grant of defence work. Now a door tenant at After graduating from Lauriston, I our dress rehearsals. $1000 to a project that helps make Garden Court, Fatima has recently studied Medicine at the University of Cheryl Lin (2000) Melbourne more awesome. I’m also relocated to New York City. Melbourne, from 1996 to 2001. After The opening ceremony was amazing. Cheryl writes: currently working on a project myself an intern year at the Royal Melbourne The crowd was incredible; it was the that will help demonstrate the full lives Hospital, I went on to commence largest audience I will ever dance for. I I work as an IT auditor for a financial that people can live while working training in Paediatrics, based at the have made so many friends by being institution but in 2010 I started a pay-the-bill jobs – by pursuing their Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville. involved in the event and it was an business fashion streetstyle blog, passions; it’s a project that I hope will experience that few of us will forget. BusinessChic.com.au, to help give In 2007, I started sub-specialty training help Year 11s and 12s everywhere us all ideas on what we can wear in Paediatric Allergy and Immunology, Georgina with Australian Olympic keep perspective while completing Nicki Marks (1980) to work! I was the editor of The and nearly completed this in 2009, player and bronze medallist, Victoria Brown their VCE or IB. (2003) Lauristonian in my final year of high but stopped a few months before fully Nicki advises that she has recently school (2000) and am indebted to qualifying, to have my first child, Felix, Georgina Wharton (1999) established a family charity called the photography skills I learned at born in September 2009. In 2010, after Help Kids Like Nick, whose purpose Georgie recently had the experience Howqua and developed through time off for maternity leave, I spent is to deliver access to support, and Azeemah Kola (2005) of a lifetime as one of the 10,000 after-school photography classes time working in general paediatrics special experiences, to children with volunteers who danced at the with David Morrison. My work has Azeemah left Lauriston for snowy and paediatric dermatology at the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. There are opening ceremony of the London appeared in Vogue, Grazia and Chicago in Year 5. She finished school Royal Children’s Hospital, for more only forty children with the condition Olympics. Peppermint magazines and I’ve been in Chicago and New Jersey, and in experience. in Australia. Nicki’s seventeen-year-old profiled in theAge, mX and the local May 2010 graduated cum laude from My ceremony experience started nephew Nick Blacket, who lives in In 2011, I moved with my husband and City Weekly newspaper. Harvard University, with a degree in back in November 2011. After three western Queensland, is a sufferer. son to Brisbane to spend a fellowship postcolonial history and literature. In gruelling auditions, including one with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome has left year at the Royal Children’s Hospital July 2011 she graduated from the opening ceremony choreographer there, and by mid 2011 I was fully University of Oxford with an MSc in Kenrick Sandy, I was in! qualified as a paediatric allergist and Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. immunologist. In 2012, I have set up my Rehearsals started in April and we Old Lauristonians on Facebook Azeemah is currently in her second own private practice, and am the only were continually told ‘Don’t spoil the You can now keep in with Lauriston and with the Old Lauristonians’ Association (OLA) year studying for her JD at Yale Law paediatric allergist and immunologist surprise’, which was so hard not to do via Facebook. Next time you visit Facebook, why not visit the School’s page, at www.facebook. School. in private practice in all of Brisbane. when it was so exciting. Our dance com/LauristonArmadale (from there, just search on Old Lauristonians to access the OLA’s sessions with Kenrick and his crew page)? ‘Like’ our pages to ensure that you receive all our latest news. were held every Sunday for five hours; after the first few I couldn’t move!

30 31 Community News Community News

Weddings Births Vale

She was an enthusiastic gardener, Australia, Sir Thomas White. and derived much pleasure designing Around 1967, Noela and a friend and maintaining the layout. The started their own architectural vibrant colours in her front garden practice but this had to be were admired by many. abandoned when the friend’s sister Other activities kept her busy. She was suffered a stroke and had to be the Treasurer of the charity Cottage by looked after. After both sister’s and the Sea, in Queenscliff, for many years; the friend’s death, Noela moved to for a long time she helped at Meals Eastbourne where she did voluntary Krissy Campbell on Wheels in Point Lonsdale; she work for the Citizens Advice Bureau enjoyed her reading and listening to and the Royal National Lifeboat state level; she became an Australian (Dixon, 1994) music – records, tapes and cassettes Institution, and also had a part-time Krissy and husband Antony Campbell, Backstroke Champion, but was (she felt she was too old to catch up job as a secretary to the then senior together with big sister Emily, ruled out of the 1936 Berlin Olympic with later modern technology!). a member of both the hockey and partner of a well-known firm of welcomed the arrival of Jessica Laine, Games because of illness. She later baseball teams. architects. born 18 September 2012. represented Australia at the 1938 Madge was a devoted grandmother Empire Games. to Alexandra and Victoria, and a She studied shorthand and typing In 1972 she moved to Tewkesbury, a loving great-grandmother to Oliver at school and on leaving quickly smallish market town in Gloucester Vale Madge married Gordon McKinnon in Emily Minter (1997) and Pascale. Pascale is to become found work with Zinc Corporation where there is a glorious Norman 1940 and they had a son, Alistair Ross, Emily married Duncan Banks at Port Margaret Amy McKinnon a student at Lauriston in 2014, so the Limited (later Rio Tinto Zinc), where Abbey, which was the church of the in 1942. she stayed until 1948. In 1949 she, her Douglas, Queensland, on 25 August (Nixon, 1931) family connection will continue. Benedictine monastery there before its friend Patricia Dowell (Wesley) and her 2012. Several of Emily’s Lauriston The following has been kindly In 1966, Madge built a house close dissolution by Henry VII. She continued Madge enjoyed a long, happy, active cousin Barbara Buck (Barker) sailed schoolfriends attended. Emily is provided by Ross McKinnon. to the water at Point Lonsdale, and her work with the CAB and RNLI and and healthy life, and remembered her for England. For two years, Noela and currently teaching Prep/Grade 1 at an lived there till she felt she could not also became a volunteer in the Margaret, known as Madge, was born years at Lauriston with great fondness. Patricia worked in various capacities independent school in Melbourne. manage alone; she moved into a Abbey Shop. Apart from three trips to 5 June 1915, and prior to her death, and earned enough money to go nursing home early in 2012. Australia, two of which were for the on 12 July 2012, was one of the oldest Noela Merrifield (1939) sight-seeing, which they did by cycling weddings of her nephew and younger living past Lauriston students. Madge was a very active person who The following has been or hitch-hiking. After a brief visit to niece, she remained in Tewkesbury, was a member for more than twenty kindly provided by Lynne Loth Denmark together, Noela went on by Future Lauristonians? Madge grew up in Brighton with her happy with her work at the Abbey, years of ‘Keen Walkers’, a group that (Merrifield,1941) herself through Belgium and France. parents and her brothers, Noel and Ken. enjoying her garden and her cat/s If you are expecting a future met weekly to keep fit and enjoy the Patricia returned to Australia but She attended Firbank for a number of Noela was the eldest of the three and rejoicing in good friendships. Lauristonian, please contact our social contact of others. This group Noela, who by then had fallen in love years before entering Lauriston for her daughters born to Fred and Mary Registrar on 9864 7555 to register is still extremely active. Madge was with England and the English, stayed Due to her failing eyesight and lack of final years, 1929 to 1931. Merrifield (Barker), all of whom, like your interest in securing a place a member of a swimming set who on and worked as a secretary to the mobility, Noel spent the last 18 months their mother, attended Lauriston. She at Lauriston for your child. Madge was a very keen swimmer, would swim each morning between managing director of a building firm in a nursing home, where she died loved school and in her final year was and spent many hours training at the October and April. Many lasting after a brief spell as the third secretary peacefully on 29 August 2012, just a prefect, captain of Irving House and Middle Brighton baths. Her swimming friendships were established during to the then High Commissioner for short of her 90th birthday. interests led her to many successes at those years.

Alumni, former staff and current families are warmly invited Lauriston Life is distributed to more to join us at our Howqua campus as we celebrate 20 years Lauriston Life than 6000 families, both locally and Howqua of innovative education. Our Year 9 program at Howqua not internationally. In order to reduce our only challenges our students academically and physically; it to go digital environmental footprint, we are now also provides them with a wealth of opportunities to develop offering the Lauriston community the 20th Anniversary self-belief, independence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. opportunity to receive this magazine via email. Celebration Howqua’s 20th Anniversary Celebration will feature tours If you would like to receive future issues of of the campus, a concert by current students, and a Lauriston Life electronically, please email our Sunday 21 April 2013 presentation by the Principal. Morning tea and lunch will be Communications Officer, Katie Garrett, on garrettka@ provided. Transport to and from Howqua is available. lauriston.vic.edu.au. Alternatively, please visit our website 11.00am - 3.00pm (www.lauriston.vic.edu.au), where you will need to click on Register for this event at www.trybooking.com/CEIV ‘Community’, and then select ‘Subscribe to Lauriston Life’.

32 33 Community News Community News

Reunions and other events

Class of 2011 one-year reunion

Twenty-nine graduates from the Class of 2011 returned to Lauriston to catch up with their peers. Many of the girls had either just completed, or were in the midst of completing, their end-of-year exams, so we were delighted that they took time out to attend the event.

Nicola Billens (1991), Kirsten Black (1983), Barbara Glass (1963), Sarah Harding (2000),Belinda Hoare (Seddon,1981), Marina Johnson, Susan Just, Jodie Kingman (1985), Kirsty Meathrel (1992), Jess Morrison (1993), Georgie Orr (1993), Anna Rintoul (Oxley,1993), Jeanette Scobie (Russell,1970), Rebecca Sexton (1985), Kendra Sundquist (Leicester,1957), Sally Tuckfield (Chen,1978), Sarah Vick (2000) & Liz Wragge (Howat,1970) attended the NSW/ACT reunion. (All L-R) Back: Eliza Weste, Liz McTaggart, Sarah Stobart, Prue Gullifer Centre: Kathy Ge, Alice Champion, Paris Griffen, Nicole Yeomans, Amy Tuny, Eleanor Lazarus Front: Katrina Hart, Steph Phillips, Lucy Liang, Catherine Le, Anna Ananijevski, Ping Ping Zhou. Fiona Bulle, Antonia Harbison-Hammond, Megan NSW/ACT reunion with an intimate private dining Douglas and Clare McIver also attended the event but were not present for the photo. room that allowed us to share new In early September, Principal Susan experiences as well as old memories. Just and Director of Marketing and Reunions and other events Advancement, Marina Johnson, Even though there was up to a L-R Caroline Fazakas, Samantha Foster, Tilda decade between us, it’s really no Rule and Laura Carrington enjoy catching up Class of 2005 hosted a function for around twenty at the Class of 2011 reunion. alumni at the Angel Bar in the Sydney surprise that we hit it off immediately, Howqua 10-year reunion CBD. given our mutual experience at Fifteen girls from the Class of 2005 Lauriston. WA reunion made the trip up the highway to visit It was great to find out what everyone Seven WA-based alumni joined the Howqua campus and celebrate was up to and the career paths Director of Marketing and their 10-year Howqua reunion. After we had chosen. Interior design, Advancement, Marina Johnson, at taking a tour of the campus, some of journalism, copywriting, a financial an intimate dinner at The Trustee, the girls were interviewed for a short analyst and even an environmental in the Perth CBD, in late October. video being filmed by two Year 11 start-up – you’ll be happy to hear Despite the wide range of ages students, before joining their former we’re all kicking goals in the city that (Class of 1966 through to Class of classmates to enjoy a picnic lunch never sleeps. As they say, if you can 2005), the girls found their shared while listening to music performed by make it here, you can make it … well, Lauriston experiences meant that the current Howqua students. you know how it goes. conversation flowed freely. Lunch at Woodlands was a highlight of the OLA Golf Day. OLA Golf Day This year our A Division winner was Di Farrer (Grantham, 1970), OLA Golf Amanda Milledge with 33 points on a Day Coordinator, writes: countback from Bronwyn Sterck. Twenty-eight Old Lauristonians L–R: Sarah Marshall (1994), Alice Milledge The B Division winner was Amanda (2003), Katya Wachtel (2003), Sophie Watson attended the annual OLA golf event, Allen and the runner-up Linden Carter. (2003) and Priyanka Bakaya (2000). held at Woodlands Golf Club on 11 New York reunion September. We enjoyed a sunny 22C, Team winners this year were Phoebe cloudless day – magnificent golfing Dixon, Barb Allen, Julie Jonas and Susie The New York reunion, held in mid conditions! The Woodlands course Armstrong. September, was an intimate affair. always proves a challenge, with its Alice Milledge (2003) shares her raised, small greens. We were treated In 2013 the OLA Golf Day will be thoughts here. to a private room setting with one long held, at Woodlands, on Tuesday 10 table, and a very good two-course September – pop this date into your It was definitely an evening to L-R Susie Armstrong, Barb Allen, lunch. diary now! remember. Sarabeth’s, an adorable Phoebe Dixon and Julie Jonas. little restaurant overlooking Central Barbara Cunningham (Howard, 1966), Anna McKenzie (2005), Jenny Nicol (Shannon, 1963), Editor’s note In the July issue of Lauriston Life, the Class of 1982 photo on page 30 was Park, proved to be the perfect venue Lynette Petersen (Gray, 1966), Anna Sim (2008), Megan Summerlin (Nutting, 1972), Julia Wells incorrectly captioned. The caption should have read: L–R: Celia Sitch, Kath Johns, Anne Radvansky (Darby, 1973) and Marina Johnson enjoyed catching up at The Trustee in Perth and Monica Hyams at the 1982 reunion. Please accept our apologies for the error. 34 35 2013 reunions and key events

In 2013 we will be trialling a new reunion format, and will be hosting several reunions on the one Saturday in May. This format will make it possible for alumni from different year levels to catch up with each other.

23 March OLA 100 Years Celebration Lunch

21 April Howqua 20th Anniversary Celebration

25 May Class of 1963 50-year reunion

Class of 1968 45-year reunion

Class of 1973 40-year reunion

Class of 1978 35-year reunion

Class of 1983 30-year reunion

Class of 1988 25-year reunion

Class of 1993 20-year reunion

Class of 1998 15-year reunion

11 October Class of 2012 1-year reunion

18 October Class of 2008 5-year reunion

15 November Class of 2003 10-year reunion

Live it. Learn it. Love it.

Advertising in Lauriston Life Members of the Lauriston community now have the opportunity to advertise in Lauriston Life. If you have a business or service that you would like to promote, consider placing an advertisement in a magazine that goes out to more than 6000 readers – alumni, Lauriston parents, current and past staff, and all of our donors. Advertising rates are: full page $800; half page $500; quarter page $350; eighth of a page $200.

For further information, please email our Communications Officer, Katie Garrett, on [email protected].

Lauriston Girls’ School ABN 15 004 264 402

38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale Vic 3143, Australia t: +61 3 9864 7555 f: +61 3 9822 7950 e: [email protected]

www.lauriston.vic.edu.au

CRICOS number 00152F