THE MAGAZINE OF LAURISTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL // April 2011
LIVE IT. LEARN IT. LOVE IT. Welcome from the Chair of Council
A warm welcome to our first Lauriston Life for 2011 and to our new Lauriston families.
As I reflect on the past about: fostering an environment that year, and think about allows our students to perform to the what we, as a school best of their individual abilities, and community, should all sending the girls on to the next part feel about 2010, two of their life’s journey in courses of their words come to mind choosing. – great pride. This is Lauriston Life Now to turn to 2011. The School Council great pride in the results The Lauriston Magazine has signed off on our three-year achieved by our 2010 Strategic Plan, which has been Year 12 girls. In turn, this Lauriston Girls’ School developed by our Principal, Susan Just, is pride in our teachers ABN 15 004 264 402 along with her team and in consultation and other staff who worked so hard and with all staff. Susan has been sharing enabled these girls to do so well and, the core elements of the Strategic Plan 38 Huntingtower Road in some cases, to achieve academic in various gatherings and will continue perfection. As importantly, though, the Armadale Vic 3143 to do so over the next few months. The dedication of our staff – to whom we Australia focus of the Council this year is to fully owe enormous thanks – enabled every t: + 61 3 9864 7555 support Susan in the implementation of one of the girls to obtain an offer of a our Strategic Plan. f: + 61 3 9822 7950 tertiary place, in her preferred course e: [email protected] area. This is an astonishing result. To Elspeth Arnold www.lauriston.vic.edu.au me and the rest of the School Council, Chair of Council CRICOS number 00152F it is a reflection of what Lauriston is all Contributors Founders’ Day PRINCIPAL Founders’ Day 2011 represented quite a Founders’ Day was established quite Susan Just milestone in the School’s history and was early in Lauriston’s history, and for marked by a special assembly for Years many years was usually marked by EDITOR 3–12, with guests of honour Mary Owen an ‘At Home’ for Old Lauristonians. Up (Class of 1936) and Vicki Redwood until 1920 this event was held at the Marina Johnson (Class of 1971 and President of the Old Old House and was attended only by Lauristonians’ Association). former students who spent a pleasant CONTRIBUTORS afternoon renewing friendships over tea Also present at the assembly was a Robyn Ambler and playing croquet. Over the years, large contingent of senior members of increasing numbers of children attended Elspeth Arnold our alumni community. Current students these annual gatherings, though Prudence Barker Mary Barras-Miller (Year 6) and Laura husbands did not attend. Jenny Bars Carrington (Year 12) spoke about the Pat Fernandes School’s history; Vicki Redwood spoke From 1960, Founders’ Day celebrations about the development of the OLA; and were held in the new Irving Hall, although Don Hamley Mary Owen spoke about her memories in 1966 Old Lauristonians were invited to Ann Hooper of Lauriston in the 1930s, the Irving sisters take a last look at the Old House prior Marina Johnson (‘“Mag and Lil” as they were called’), and to its impending demolition. In 1974 the Sue Johnston her later experiences in the workforce – format of Founders’ Day was changed: Susan Just particularly her campaigns for women alumni were now invited to a chicken Nene Macwhirter to receive equal pay and access to and wine luncheon. With sixth-form superannuation, and her pioneering students helping to serve the lunch and Eirwen Stevenson work as one of the founding coordinators to look after visiting children, the new Nick Thornton of the Working Women’s Centre. format attracted larger numbers. In 1989 the OLA decided to replace DESIGN the existing Founders’ Day activities with Andrew Bartlet Creative Design an annual dinner, in the hope that this would attract a wider range of alumni. More recently, Founders’ Day has reverted to a daytime event, in the form of a special assembly, with guest speakers, in Irving Hall. This is followed Cover: by a morning tea for guests of honour School Captains which is held in the Mountain Room. Annie Carter and Emilie Soust From the Principal
During our Founders’ Day Assembly at the end of the fi rst week of the new term, I was asked by one of the alumni present whether I had started to settle into Melbourne. This question did not give me pause for long. While the traffi c is often a source of frustration, I am enjoying getting to know Melbourne, and I certainly felt more settled at Lauriston as the year began and we welcomed back the staff and then the students. I am looking forward to completing a full year at Lauriston and to meeting with all members of our School community.
involved in all activities allowed school. Distributed leadership also you to develop many skills. means that ideas, drawn from every During her years at Lauriston, level of the school, are more easily Mary Owen also learned shared. As a result, staff gain a greater the value of teamwork, and awareness of what is happening established friendships that throughout their school. would endure throughout her life. At Lauriston we have staff members with signifi cant expertise, talents and This year marks Lauriston’s 110th interest in curriculum development birthday. To celebrate this and in the improvement of student achievement, we have planned outcomes. I believe that there a number of events, including is leadership capability within the Family Picnic Day held everyone, and that as a school we in March, alumni breakfasts need to provide individual staff with throughout the year, a Back to opportunities to build their leadership Howqua Day in late August and capacity. a Back to Lauriston Day in mid October. Full details of all these One of the ways we are providing events can be found on our leadership opportunities is by using website during the course of the learning groups, each led by a year: www.lauriston.vic.edu.au. different staff member, to help deliver the Strategic Actions outlined This issue of Lauriston Life in the Strategic Plan. The learning includes a 110th birthday groups have already been formed, feature, which highlights how although the composition of individual the School has changed over groups may change during the year, the years (see pages 11-16). depending on the expertise required Throughout its history Lauriston at particular points of the journey has had a focus on identifying towards achieving recommendations and delivering the very best for action. innovations in girls’ education. Our focus on innovation This is an exciting time at Lauriston, continues in our latest Strategic where our focus is always on enabling Plan, which provides a blueprint all our students to reach their potential. to guide the School through the By providing an environment where It was a great pleasure to have Mary three-year period 2011–13 (see my each individual girl is encouraged Owen (Class of 1936) as our Founders’ article on pages 5–6 for a detailed to fi nd her own path in life, learn the Day speaker. It was particularly overview of the Strategic Plan). value of being part of a team and heartwarming to observe the positive develop lifelong friendships, we truly response of our students to Mrs Owen A key element of the Strategic Plan are achieving our vision of being a and her memories of her time at itself has been the opportunity to School for Life. Lauriston. A youthful ninety years of implement an innovative leadership Susan Just age, Mrs Owen is quite a star and her approach – distributed leadership. enjoyment of life is quite evident. She Principal The concept of distributed leadership told the students that Lauriston had is one that I have a passion for. In a offered her a valuable education and school setting, adopting a distributed gave her permission to determine leadership model means that staff her own future. Doing your best was members are encouraged to make most important, she said, and being an impact not only in the areasas thatat already benefi t from their expertise,pertise, but also more widely across the Congratulations to the Class of 2010
Lauriston students have a strong tradition of achieving outstanding results, and the Class of 2010 were no exception. The final results attained by all students – those completing the VCE and those in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – were stunning.
Meet our high achievers Four of our IB students – Susan Lee, Ellen Smith, Alexandra Wormald Susan Lee, Music Captain (99.95) and Jennifer Zhou – achieved a Susan was actively involved in the School’s co-curricular programs with music in particular being an area in which perfect score of 45 (equivalent to an Susan excelled. Susan also took part in the Senior College Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Council and the School’s community service program. of 99.95). This is a truly exceptional Susan was awarded a Monash University Scholarship for achievement, considering that in the Excellence, which has enabled her to study Medicine at past academic year only fifty-seven Monash. IB Diploma students globally were awarded perfect scores. Ellen Smith, House Captain (99.95) While at Lauriston, Ellen proved herself to be a dedicated, Overall, more than one-third of the students intelligent and focused young woman. She received a in Lauriston’s Class of 2010 earned results number of Academic Distinctions, awarded the Price that placed them in the top 5 per cent of Waterhouse Coopers Prize for Economics and was also students in Australia. A finer breakdown of our awarded Full Colours for her involvement in the School’s girls’ results shows that: music and sports programs. Ellen received scholarship offers from Monash University, the University of Sydney and t 13% of our students were in the top 1% of the Australian National University and has elected to study students nationwide, with an ATAR of 99.00 International Law at ANU. or above. t 36% of our students were in the top 5% Alexandra Wormald (99.95) nationwide, with an ATAR of 95.00 or Alex excelled in the classroom, achieving results of the above. highest quality and was awarded numerous Academic 49% of our students were in the top 10% Distinctions. Alex represented her House and School in t numerous sporting teams, represented the School in nationwide, with an ATAR of 90.00 or debating, and was highly active in Lauriston’s music above. program. Alex is now studying Arts at the University of t 75% of our students were in the top 20% Melbourne. nationwide, with an ATAR of 80.00 or above. Jennifer Zhou (99.95) It is this last statistic that excites Lauriston’s Jennifer was an enthusiastic and conscientious student Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School, with a strong desire to achieve excellence. In addition Nene Macwhirter, the most. to receiving numerous Academic Distinctions, Jennifer was awarded First Grade Honours for AMEB Drama and ‘Lauriston is an open-entry school, so to have Communication, and numerous prizes, including the BJ three-quarters of all our students achieve Lynch Prize for Middle School Mathematics, the Monash such fabulous results is a real testament to University Prize and the Judith Bruns Prize for essay writing. the efforts of students and staff,’ says Ms Jennifer joins Susan in studying Medicine at Monash Macwhirter. University. ‘We’re also thrilled that all our students Jessica Wills, House Captain (98.05) achieved the results they needed to gain entry into a course of their choice.’ Jessica excelled academically and made an enormous contribution to Lauriston. She received numerous Academic Distinctions, awarded the Year 11 Creative Where and what are they Writing Prize in 2009. Jessica represented her House studying? and the School in a range of sports and was a major contributor to many House and School productions. She The most popular course for the Class of also took on leadership roles, including that of House 2010 was Arts, followed by Commerce, Captain, and in 2008 received the Long Tan Award for Science and Design/Creative Arts. Law and Leadership and Teamwork. Jessica joins Alex in studying Medicine also featured strongly. Arts at the University of Melbourne. The University of Melbourne and Monash Jingwen (Summer) Liu (97.7) University were the most popular tertiary institutions, with strong interest also shown in Summer, who had to overcome the hurdle of studying Deakin University. in a language other than her native language, was the recipient of a number of Academic Distinctions. She Congratulations to the Class of 2010 – we was also actively involved in the School community and are enormously proud of your achievements provided wonderful support for her fellow international and wish you the best of luck in your future students. Summer is studying Art and Design at Monash endeavours. University. 4 2011–13 Strategic Plan
What is a strategic plan? In an education environment, a strategic plan provides a blueprint for a school’s strategic direction for three to five years. The plan outlines the school’s purpose, values and environmental context, as well as setting goals and targets and identifying improvement strategies in key priority areas.
How is a strategic plan What are Lauriston’s How will these Strategic developed? Strategic Priorities? Priorities be addressed? A school strategic plan is developed Lauriston’s Strategic Plan identifies six Associated with each Strategic Priority during a period of self-evaluation, Strategic Priorities: are a number of Strategic Actions, to review and planning. The plan is be undertaken during the period of Student Learning Achievement informed by the information gathered t the Strategic Plan (2011–13). For each Personal Wellbeing and directions identified through t Strategic Action, the Strategic Plan Connection with the Community the evaluation of the school’s t provides a timeline for implementation, Staff Development and Support current situation and through broad t and clearly allocates responsibility School Environment consultation with key stakeholders. t for delivery. Measures to be used in Enrolments. t quantifying success are also identified. A strategic plan is a living document; if a school’s circumstances change, its strategic plan may be updated.
The following table shows the range of Strategic Actions that we are undertaking in line with our Student Learning Achievement Strategic Priority. Strategic Priority: Student Learning Achievement Strategic Action 2011 Timeline, actions and responsible staff members Develop and document a shared statement Research, consultation and development of a of preferred pedagogies that model current statement of preferred pedagogies. educational research and enable the creation of a dynamic and innovative 21st century learning The Deputy Principal / Head of Junior School will lead a environment. learning group of teachers. Continue to develop a curriculum that will enable Research, consultation and determination of the students to attain the intellectual skills and learning intellectual skills and learning strategies. strategies required for lifelong learning in the 21st century. The Director of Learning (Senior School) will lead a learning group of teachers. There will be collaboration with the Preferred Pedagogies group. Review the curriculum from Years 5 to 9 to Research, consultation and completion of the review. enhance rigorous, innovative, student-centred and ICT-embedded learning experiences. The Director of the Lauriston Institute will lead a learning group of teachers. Review the P–4 curriculum in numeracy and literacy. Reading and comprehension, spelling, handwriting, and procedures for teaching and learning numeracy will be reviewed and a set of recommendations completed.
The Director of Learning (Junior School) will lead a learning group of teachers. Review the subject offerings in Year 10, VCE and IB A review of the current subject offerings and activities programs. will be undertaken and recommendations will be completed by June.
The Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School will lead a learning group of Coordinators, Heads of Faculty, Heads of House and teachers. Review the Philosophy and Ethics curriculum in Philosophy and Ethics will be defined and its purpose order to establish a seamless program of learning documented. Work will begin on the skills and experiences from Kindergarten to Year 12. understandings required at each year level.
The Head of Philosophy and Ethics will lead a learning group of teachers.
5 2011–13 Strategic Plan
What are the key 2011 Strategic Actions linked to our other Strategic Priorities?
intuitive navigation. and to organisations, and, in a school The website now setting, to students who benefit from features a number improved educational outcomes. of videos highlighting Other Strategic Actions include different areas of the providing professional learning School, and allows opportunities to support teaching users to register to excellence from Kindergarten to Year attend events, and 12, and maintaining accreditation as to update personal an Employer of Choice for Women in details, through the use Australia. of online forms. The website also includes School Environment dedicated sections such as Parent Central A key Strategic Action associated with (for current families) and this Strategic Priority is the provision an Old Lauristonians’ of the best-quality facilities, in order Association microsite. to meet the changing needs of the Work on the website 21st century teaching and learning continues, with online environment. To achieve this we will message boards and forums planned complete a new Master Plan for the Personal Wellbeing for the near future. Armadale campus, and develop an Information and Communication In 2011 we plan to undertake a review Other mechanisms for building Technology (ICT) Strategic Plan for of our co-curricular program, in order relationships include: the School. A key component of to investigate both the breadth of the ICT Plan will be the introduction the program and other models for t enhancing our alumni reunion and of a learning management system program delivery. We also plan to activities programs. An exciting to support the School’s academic review our current service activities, in initiative is our alumni breakfast programs. order to develop and implement a series, which this year features service learning program across the guest speakers including Australian Enrolments School. netball team captain Sharelle McMahon (24 March), alumnus An exciting Strategic Action in this Connection with the and cancer researcher Dr Clare area will see us extending the diversity Community Scott (9 June) and entertainer of our student population. This will Rhonda Burchmore (17 August) be achieved with the support of We value our relationships with all t broadening our parent education the Lauriston Foundation, which has members of our community, whether program launched an Equity Scholarships current or former students and their Campaign. The campaign will raise t establishing a mentor program families, current or former staff, or funds that will enable us to offer linking our alumni with current Year friends of the School. A key Strategic places to students whose families 12 students Action for 2011 is to build upon our may not have the financial means already strong relationships with t establishing partnerships with to send their daughters to Lauriston. all members of our community. tertiary institutions, and corporate This objective is consistent with the A key mechanism for building partnerships, in order to develop vision of Margaret and Lilian Irving, these relationships is our recently educational initiatives. who began Lauriston in order to redeveloped website, which, in provide a liberal education to young addition to providing information Staff Development and women who would be able to make on the School, will function as an Support a valuable contribution to their important communication channel. community throughout the rest of Here a key element is the building their lives. The first stage of its redevelopment of a collaborative staff culture has seen the website given both a that fosters distributed leadership new look, so as to reflect the values throughout the School. A significant of the School and its contemporary volume of research around distributed approach to education, and a more leadership has highlighted the user-friendly site structure, to enable benefits this approach offers to staff
6 Senior School
Year 12 at Lauriston – a focused and adult approach to beginning the final year of school
Most of us will have heard the saying ‘There is no such thing as a free lunch’. Well, in Year 12 at Lauriston, there is no such thing as a ‘holiday’ or a ‘spare period’! We have consciously replaced this terminology with ‘study break’ and ‘study period’, so as to orient the Year 12 students to the essential work ethic required of them if they are to achieve their full potential.
For a number of years now, Lauriston course at Lauriston, whether the has given its Year 12 students a VCE or the IB, and have the added flying start by beginning their Year motivational advantage of a taste of 12 coursework at the end of their university life, which undoubtedly gives Year 11 year, in a program called them a taste for more! ‘Headstart’. The girls have classes in each of their Year 12 subjects and Senior School staff at are set up for their ‘study break’ with Lauriston are often asked the appropriate materials, tasks and for the secret to our guidance to create a seamless start students’ superb Year 12 to their final year of school. results. In fact, there are no ‘secrets’, but we do The academic year begins in believe that we have the earnest for our Year 12 students right formula, beginning with a conference scheduled for with the hard work and the day prior to that on which all commitment of the girls other students return to school. This themselves. There is no is a unique and innovative initiative, doubt, moreover, that designed to focus on the strategic innovative practices like concerns that students face as they our use of study-focused work to succeed in their final year of terminology, the Headstart school. The Year 12 Conference is program, the Year 12 usually held off-site and is run like an Conference and our adult business conference. Sessions VCE and IB Theory of focus on health and wellbeing, study Knowledge residential skills and maintaining motivation programs give Lauriston’s when challenges arise. The timing Year 12 students a winning of the conference is ideal for edge! capitalising on the work undertaken by the girls over December and Nene Macwhirter January. Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School In the second week of Term 1, all Year 12 students attend a curriculum-based residential program at the University of Melbourne’s Ormond College. The girls complete a range of activities associated with their particular
7 Junior School
Anywhere, Anytime Learning@Lauriston
Today’s students think, learn and live in an increasingly enhance the learning of our students. online world. New technologies and virtual environments allow Our decisions have been based on a careful identification of how the important parts of students’ personal and social life to be netbooks can best be used to deliver digitised, shared and linked to global communities. Students the curriculum in ways that engage may have more access to technology at home than at school. the students and inspire them to respond to their learning creatively, meaningfully, skilfully, cooperatively teaching. Outside school they may regularly and comprehensively. At the same contribute to online forums, interact t Digitally literate learners: time, our clear intention when with and seek help from peers and t want to be connected developing the netbook program find innovative methods of solving t are discriminating was to ensure a seamless interaction problems, managing their time and t are empowered and critically between the new technologies expressing themselves. Often all of literate and the more traditional teaching this happens at once, with students t are information seekers and methods, which are still valued and using multiple devices, applications navigators important for student learning. and interfaces. t understand that they are part of a global community, and that Staff support for the program has At Lauriston we recognise, and learning is not restricted to the been significant, with teachers aspire to further develop, these classroom working with experts both within the capabilities in our students. We t are demanding in terms of content, School and externally. The emphasis continually revise our curriculum teaching quality, and access to for staff has been on exploring the and learning programs to include resources capacity of technology to assist in opportunities for students to work t think, analyse, and construct the delivery of the curriculum more autonomously and concurrently knowledge efficiently, and in ways that are in a dynamic and stimulating t constantly communicate virtually. meaningful to students who are living environment. One of the great and learning in a technologically rich challenges for education is to This year we have begun the rollout world. provide the skills and knowledge of a one-to-one netbook program that our students will need for their for all girls in Years 5, 6 and 7. The Ann Hooper future. devices being progressively provided Deputy Principal / Head of Junior School to the students have been deliberately A school’s eLearning plan needs selected because they are compact, to take into account the emerging lightweight and robust, have a long digital/ICT literacies of today’s and battery life and are easy to operate. tomorrow’s students, and to identify appropriate and targeted strategies The driving force behind the to support improved learning and introduction of the devices is to 8 Howqua
Learning for life programs in the news
As readers of Lauriston Life November 2010, Paul Austin, state that understands their obligations would be aware, our School has political reporter for the Age, wrote: and responsibilities; a generation a long history of educational that will become good adults – Brumby will campaign with passion and, in their turn, good parents.’ innovation. One example of on this over the final week-and-a-half the School’s achievements in of the campaign. He believes the The outcomes cited by Mr Brumby innovative education is the Year ‘Education for Life’ concept has the are of course the same very worthy capacity to enhance the lives of 9 Howqua program. Established outcomes that all those years future generations and the standing ago were identified by Lauriston’s in 1993, the Howqua program of government schools. then Principal, Ruth Tideman, in reflects the philosophy that championing the establishment of Year 9 students can benefit He thinks it fits neatly with the the Howqua program. This vision has desire of many parents; not for been reaffirmed and built upon as significantly from an experiential the government to tell them how the increased relevance of ‘learning program that provides them with to raise their children, but for the for life’ programs in Year 9 has been ‘learning for life’. state to offer a bit more help, recognised. especially during the dreaded Over the past eighteen years, the middle-secondary years. Lauriston continues to look for ways Howqua program has gone from to best prepare our students for strength to strength, helping thousands And there is an added political the challenges and the changing of students build self-confidence benefit: it promises to make demands of life beyond school. The and a genuine sense of mastery government schools a bit more like philosophy and programs offered and achievement, as every Year 9 the prestigious private schools. Most at Howqua continue to be reviewed girl proudly acquires the skills and parents in Victoria send their children and developed as we seek further tools she needs for negotiating the to state schools, but Brumby knows ways to contribute to preparing our challenges of both the professional many of them aspire to something better. Now he is promising to ‘give students at this very important stage and the natural world. every child in a government school of the Lauriston educational journey. Quite recently, in the lead-up to the an experience that the top private Don Hamley Victorian state election late last year, schools provide’ … Head of Howqua Campus the merits of such innovative Year 9 ‘We want the next generation to have programs came to the attention of a clear set of values; a generation the broader community when they suddenly took centre stage. On 17
9 Kindergarten
A Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy
Our Kindergarten program is inspired by the philosophy that guides the schools of Reggio Emilia. In these wonderful Italian schools, there is a keen awareness of the power of imagination and possibilities. In Lauriston’s Kindergartens, we always strive to adapt the ideas and inspirations of Reggio Emilia to an Australian context, so that they are relevant to our children, their families and our staff.
open and trusting relationships with each other and with adults.
We visit Reverse Art Truck to collect natural materials that promote and enhance imaginative play and encourage a love of and respect for the natural environment. We believe strongly in recycling as much as possible, be it materials for collage and construction, or water from handwashing, which is used for watering the garden. We also have worm farms and we feed the worms with scraps from morning fruit and then use the worm castings to feed our vegetable garden, where we grow a variety of vegetables. These are used for cooking, to promote healthy eating.
The environmentalist David Suzuki was in Melbourne recently, and while here he spoke passionately about the environment and about his desire We are very conscious that many to change those of our practices children today expect instant that have an adverse impact on the gratification in many areas of natural world. He urges all of us to their lives. In our Kindergartens, work towards restoring the balance. As we strongly believe that children another environmentalist, David Sobel, should be given the opportunity to says: ‘If we want children to flourish, experience interacting with simple to become truly empowered, then materials and creating their own let us allow them to love the earth play. Such opportunities promote the before we ask them to save it’ (Beyond development of imagination and Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in encourage children to create their Nature Education). own entertainment rather than being passive receivers. Lauriston’s Kindergartens are providing children with myriad opportunities to These opportunities also allow children explore and investigate their natural to take shared responsibility for their world, to question and to ponder and environment as they work with staff to experiment so that they too come to make their special spaces look to love and care for this beautiful, beautiful. One person’s view of fragile planet. beauty will differ from another’s, so the children are able to develop, and value, different perspectives. Motor Robyn Ambler and sensory awareness and a love Director of Kindergarten of exercise are also promoted, while shared learning and caring supports the development in the children of
10 New Opportunities for Girls
Founded as a private business by sisters Margaret and Lilian Irving, Lauriston had its beginnings in Erskine Street, Armadale, opening in February 1901 with an initial enrolment of twelve students. Over the next few years, numbers increased steadily, and in 1908 the School moved to its present location in Huntingtower Road – to Brocklesby, the magnificent Victorian mansion that would come to be known by generations of students as ‘the Old House’.
Much of what the Irving sisters wanted to achieve for their school was influenced by their family’s strong commitment to Christian values and by the pioneering work in girls’ education that had been undertaken by British educationists such as Frances Buss and Dorothea Beale. As with the schools run by these women, Lauriston was to be a place where girls could study academic subjects, proceed to the Matriculation exam – and then possibly go on to university and the professions. The School grows At its new location in Huntingtower Road, Lauriston continued to grow and by 1914 enrolments had reached 165. The last innocent years before the outbreak of war had seen the formation of the Old Lauristonians’ Association, the first edition of The Lauristonian, a successful campaign to raise funds for a reference library, and the adoption of a new, loose-fitting uniform for sport. In 1916, Dorothy Andrews became the School’s first university graduate; in the following year, two former Lauriston students, Elizabeth Kirkhope and Kathleen Syme, were awarded degrees.
With the end of the Great War, the School enjoyed a period of growth and optimism that matched the mood of the early years of the postwar decade. Two new classrooms were built and numbers reached three hundred as the socio-economic section of Melbourne society from which most of the students were drawn entered into a period of comparative prosperity. Wykeham Lodge, in Malvern Road, was acquired to accommodate Lauriston’s growing
11 New Opportunities for Girls
number of boarders, most of whom 1930s garments for the services and collecting came from grazing properties in rural materials for recycling. Trenches were Victoria or from outlying areas of By 1930, Lauriston was facing a dug on the northern side of the hockey Melbourne, and who constituted a number of major challenges. Margaret field, evacuation drills occurred on a special part of the School. and Lilian Irving were, respectively, regular basis and the School felt the seventy-two and sixty-eight years old, effects of food and petrol rationing, At the same time, however, Lauriston, the effects of the worldwide economic ‘brownouts’ and teacher shortages. like many other schools, faced the depression were exacerbating a difficult challenge of finding good teachers. management situation, and enrolments Leading by example While the School undoubtedly had had fallen somewhat. Yet from within some excellent staff, certain areas of its own ranks the School had already Outside the School, many Old the curriculum were poorly served, produced the person who was to be Lauristonians were demonstrating just being taught by inexperienced, the source of its renewal. how competent and effective women unqualified teachers. Science classes could be when given the opportunity. were particularly problematic. The When Elizabeth Kirkhope assumed For example, Sybil Irving was appointed teacher had completed only one year effective control of the School in controller of the Australian Women’s of Medicine and, moreover, was faced late 1933, she was widely regarded Army Service; Leura Andrews became with inadequate classroom resources. as a worthy successor to the Irving manager of the YMCA War Services’ With increasing numbers of girls aspiring sisters. From the beginning of her Hostels in India; Yvonne Levey (an arts to careers in medicine and science, administration, Miss Kirkhope, who would graduate and qualified accountant) sourcing good teachers was a significant become owner as well as headmistress was assistant commandant of the problem for the School and one that of Lauriston, acted decisively to cast Victorian division of the Voluntary Aid contributed to Lauriston’s temporary the School in a new mould. Apart from Detachment and later, as a captain decline in the late 1920s and early new uniforms, there were new and in the AWAS, saw active service in the 1930s. better-qualified teachers, a focus on Middle East; Marjorie Sweeting was building enrolments, awarded the British Empire Medal and a commitment to for her work in establishing clubs for improving Lauriston’s members of the women’s services academic reputation. and women war workers in England; Betty Carson-Parker was awarded an In the next six years, Order of the British Empire for her work support from the in Colombo, where she organised parents and from Old all the entertainments for Australian Lauristonians resulted troops passing through; and Margaret in endowments for Merrifield worked with the American prizes and trophies; new Ambulance Service in England. lighting; the refurbishment Among the more senior Australian of grounds and playing nurses involved in war work were Win fields and the addition of Temple-Smith, Pat Chomley and Meg a new brick classroom, Griffiths, while many other alumni of next to the Assembly the School enlisted in the services or Hall. During the 1930s, worked on the home front, in nursing, increasing numbers of government administration, commerce, girls took up nursing, industry, transport and munitions. baby care, physiotherapy and business courses. By the end of 1945, the dominant Similarly, with an mood in the Lauriston community was expansion in degree one of renewal and reconstruction choices for Lauriston and of being able now to get on with girls, the decade saw lives that had been ‘put on hold’. The more science graduates School emerged from the war years among our alumni, and with its foundations strengthened and the first of our graduates its long-term future secure. Enrolments in medicine, in dentistry had again reached three hundred and in commerce. and, academically, Lauriston was on a steady upward incline. The 1940s was With the outbreak of war a decade marked by consistently high in September 1939, the pass rates – with the majority of passes School embarked on a at honours standard – and by the program of support for number of scholarships awarded to girls the war effort, raising wishing to proceed to university. Indeed, funds for war saving by 1948 there were twenty-seven schemes, producing Lauriston girls enrolled at the University of Melbourne.
12 Delivering a high quality house was closed in 1953 and tuition experiences that links one generation fees were raised. The following year, with another. education plans for the removal of all temporary In 1956, Elizabeth Kirkhope handed Moreover, the School was fortunate buildings, so that the School could over to Gladys Davies the responsibility to have attracted some outstanding build new facilities and keep pace for the academic side of the School teachers, many of whom are held with its ever-increasing enrolments, (Miss Kirkhope retained responsibility in great affection by past students. were prepared. (In 1951, Methodist for the School’s administration and Olive Forman (History) was considered Ladies’ College had spent £43,000 business affairs until her full retirement, a brilliant teacher, as were Valerie on a new science wing, and this in 1964). Paling (French) and Connie Irwin was probably one of the factors that (English). Gladys Davies’s Latin classes reminded Lauriston of ‘the are remembered as ‘fun’, while Joan ever-increasing need to Webb and Pat Weir instilled in many supply more and more girls a lifelong love of music. technical equipment for the education of girls’.) The size of the School, the quality of its teachers, and the reputation that As the cost estimate for the now attached to its academic results, Lauriston building program served to consolidate Lauriston’s was £30,000, the School’s appeal to those parents who valued finance committee decided an academic education for their that it was time to adopt a daughters. new method of financing building projects. What Elizabeth Kirkhope believed that was adopted was a policy girls who developed ‘more by of obtaining compulsory doing things’ should be provided loans from parents and with ‘practical subjects’. To this end, in 1955 all new students Lauriston students were offered were asked to provide an dressmaking and art and, from 1947, interest-free loan of £100, craft. Beryl Howie’s wonderful evolving £75 or £50, with the amount repertoire of craft classes would depending upon the year become one of the defining elements level in which the student of a Lauriston education for the next was enrolling. Fortunately, thirty-five years. there was little protest from parents, perhaps because The immediate postwar years also they could now claim a tax saw significant improvements to deduction of up to £50 per teacher salaries, and the School’s child for school fees. rising running costs were a source of anxiety for Elizabeth Kirkhope. Indeed, The building program could it was becoming increasingly clear now proceed rapidly, though that Lauriston’s future would be more it came at the expense of secure if the School were reconstituted some established Lauriston as a non-profit guarantee company. landmarks. While plans With the support of the parents, a new were altered so as to spare structure was established, and a fully the School’s much-loved incorporated School Council met for Moreton Bay fig, some the first time in July 1948. buildings, including some very old wooden classrooms, A showpiece of were demolished. In their place rose Like her predecessor, Miss Davies had modernity Irving Hall, additional classrooms and been educated at Lauriston and at a music room. For Elizabeth Kirkhope, the University of Melbourne. She is The late 1940s and early 1950s this was the fulfilment of a dream – and remembered as strict and as a person represented a period of transition also the belated realisation of Margaret who demanded high standards of for Lauriston. The year 1950 saw the and Lilian Irving’s plans for a new conduct and academic achievement. opening of a substantial new brick school, which had been so reluctantly The name Gladys Davies still elicits a building, which was considered deferred as a result of the onset of the mixed response from past students. a ‘showpiece of modernity’ and 1930’s Depression. Significantly, the Her regular public readings of marks, heralded the School’s entry into its preservation of Lauriston’s Moreton Bay a tendency to pass harsh judgements second half century. Yet at the same fig symbolised the concept that the on the potential of individual girls, and time the School faced some major School’s heritage lay not in buildings a readiness to withdraw privileges challenges with respect to finances, but in people and the interlocking (such as that of playing in school buildings and staffing. The boarding chain of memories, friendships and teams) for slight lapses in behaviour or
13 New Opportunities for Girls
performance, are still remembered and mathematics and there was a for Lauriston girls by the arrival of a new by many who knew Miss Davies. As substantial increase in the numbers head at the beginning of 1973. the 1960s progressed, the Davies wanting to go to university. This regime was increasingly perceived as greater focus on tertiary study was Susan St Leon was the first head inflexible and restrictive, not simply of both a response to the rising status of at Lauriston to be chosen not by the nonconformist, but of exuberant education in society and a testament her predecessor but by the School expressions of adolescence and to Gladys Davies’s emphasis on Council. Vivacious and charismatic, minor challenges to authority, such academic rigour. she was Principal at a time when as throwing berets in the air at the the education policies of the newly House sports. While many former It is the young men and women who elected Whitlam government resulted students recall an environment attended secondary school in the in major shifts in the relationship that encouraged them to extend 1960s who are most often associated between the Commonwealth and themselves academically, a significant with the radical changes in attitudes the private school sector. Salary and group report a culture of discrimination and expectations that defined the superannuation costs continued to rise, and the devaluing of individual decade, though no less a profound while at the same time the amount differences. Against a background of revolution was also taking place in the received in government assistance rapid social and cultural change that lives of the mothers, and even some began to decline. Lauriston was saw existing values come more and of the grandmothers, of the sixties becoming a more expensive school, generation. Some of these women and fee rises exceeded the rate of were forced by circumstances into inflation, increasing from $495 a year careers they had not anticipated in 1969 to $1245 a year in 1977. when leaving school, while others began to re-create their lives and set With the election of the Fraser off on new paths. (Lauriston’s Mary government in 1975, funding levels Owen, for example, co-founded were restored to the levels of the late the Working Women’s Centre and 1960s and student numbers grew; by became a strong and successful 1978 the School’s enrolment target advocate for improvements to the of 960 had been achieved. Susan status of women in the workforce.) St Leon’s focus on strengthening the At last, girls could begin to imagine academic culture of the School saw futures in which a career and an unprecedented emphasis on motherhood were not mutually maths and science subjects and the exclusive. purchase, in 1979, of Lauriston’s first computer. The language program was Renewal and growth also expanded and a range of new subjects (social studies, environmental more under challenge, the 1960s was The pace of renewal and growth at studies and Asian history) were a difficult time to be a headmistress. Lauriston had increased as education introduced. Musical productions with became more complex and required Wesley College included Fiddler on the Though not perhaps by inclination an increasing investment and resources. Roof, Porgy and Bess and Hello Dolly! innovator, Gladys Davies nonetheless The transformation of the School guided Lauriston through a process continued, with the construction By the late 1970s, the issue of single-sex of modernisation that removed the of a gymnasium and a new Music as opposed to coeducational final impediments to the girls’ access School. The grounds were refurbished education had become part of to the same range of future pathways and students gained two new an ongoing public debate. Susan as were available to their brothers. In tennis courts (built alongside Mercer St Leon believed strongly that a 1963, the same year that Dr Hildred Road), a full-size hockey field and single-sex school was able to offer Butler (the School’s most notable a one-hundred-yard running track. girls the best opportunity to combat science alumnus) addressed the This was a school not simply living off pervasive cultural constraints, which Founders’ Day luncheon, the Menzies its inheritance, but actively creating were often imposed on girls in a government announced both a new a heritage for the next generation. coeducational setting; however, the scheme to assist with the financing of There was a wide recognition that decision by some schools to become school science laboratories and the Lauriston’s educational traditions were coeducational forced Lauriston to introduction of a scholarship program progressive and modern and able to consider its position and to take steps to support students in the last two years respond to the rapidly changing world to counter the possible loss of students. of secondary school. With funds from of contemporary education. By the early 1980s, Lauriston was the Commonwealth and a substantial confidently marketing itself as a school bequest from former science teacher A sense of old certainties crumbling catering largely to girls with academic Jean Hook, Lauriston built the Gladys under the weight of new ideas aspirations. With an open-entry Davies Special Studies Wing, which characterised Australian society in the enrolment policy, the School continued opened in 1969. early 1970s. Prospects of change and to achieve outstanding academic of enhanced social and economic results – the result of excellent teaching The 1960s saw growing numbers power for women were exciting for the by a team of well-qualified and very of girls studying physics, chemistry young and were made all the more so dedicated staff.
14 In yet another coincidence between opportunities for participation the life of the nation and the life of in debating, drama, Lauriston, the arrival of a new head, music and social service. in 1983, coincided with the election Teaching staff were offered of the Hawke government (and the increased involvement in devastating Ash Wednesday fires). decision-making processes Susan St Leon’s retirement had seen relating to the School’s the appointment of Ruth Tideman educational program. Nicole as head; Mrs Tideman, a science Lukins and Margaret Rogers graduate from Adelaide, had were appointed joint deputy previously been deputy head at the heads in 1986, while Pat Wilderness School. Fernandes became the head of the Junior School. Ensuring financial security New education initiatives Ruth Tideman arrived at Lauriston during a period of financial uncertainty The introduction of the almost identical to that encountered Victorian Certificate by Susan St Leon in 1973. Labor’s of Education, in 1991, education policy required that aid to coincided with the first year ‘wealthy’ private schools should be of Lauriston’s participation phased out. Lauriston was on the list in the International of what were deemed to be Victoria’s Baccalaureate Diploma eighteen such schools, and thus Programme. Two years later, faced a 25 per cent cut in grants. So following the development of awareness of others would be fostered. widespread was the protest against a strategy known as ‘Ascent to Higher From a broader perspective, Howqua the funding cuts to independent Ground’, the first stage of the School’s was an extension of the major shift in schools that in late 1984 much of Howqua campus was completed approach to curriculum and learning the funding withdrawn from Lauriston and opened. Ruth Tideman believed that had been gaining momentum was restored, with financial security that Lauriston girls were ‘likely to be since the 1970s. The second stage of being guaranteed until 1988. As the leaders in the future’ and would ‘exert the Howqua campus opened in 1997, School faced an uncertain future considerable influence for good as allowing the whole of the Year 9 cohort with regard to government grants, in a consequence of the marvellous to spend all four terms in residence. 1985 a Foundation was established learning opportunities’ that would be to raise funds for specific projects provided at a country campus. Though A new Master Plan for Lauriston was and enhance Lauriston’s long-term Lauriston had a successful Outward presented to parents in mid 1998. Its financial security. At the same time, Bound program, Mrs Tideman was core components were an upgrade an ambitious five-year building and convinced that a much longer and to Irving Hall, a new Music School, improvement plan was drawn up and deeper experience would produce extensions to the Junior School, and work began on the refurbishment of better results. a new building for science and Montrose, the magnificent Victorian technology. house in Mercer Road that had been When the Howqua campus opened, Ruth Tideman retired in 2000, the acquired in 1975. Blairholme would in July 1993, it was seen by many year the School held its centenary also be refurbished, and a new Staff as exemplifying the philosophy celebrations. The new Principal, Meg Centre was completed in 1986. of Lauriston, in that it would be a Hansen, came to Lauriston from Two senior common rooms were place where such attributes as Westbourne Grammar, where she had established in the Special Studies independence, self-discovery, been a deputy principal, and prior to Wing, remaining portable classrooms resilience and a heightened were phased out, and sports facilities were upgraded. A splendid indoor swimming pool was opened by former Olympian Dawn Fraser in 1989.
By the 1980s, Lauriston offered a very wide range of sporting activities that included water polo, cross-country running, cricket, fencing, downhill skiing, squash, scuba diving, badminton, aerobics, rowing, netball and basketball. Under Ruth Tideman’s leadership, the School introduced a Students’ Representative Council and offered students new 15 New Opportunities for Girls
School. Her years at Lauriston were characterised by a very successful building program, a commitment to staff development, engagement with stakeholders, and a vision for what could be achieved to enhance girls’ educational opportunities. When Ms Hansen resigned during 2009, the School Council commenced an extensive search for a successor, selecting the then Principal of Canberra Girls’ Grammar, Susan Just. Continuing the Lauriston vision A highly experienced and dedicated educator with a Master’s degree in educational administration, Susan Just came to Lauriston in mid 2010 and immediately set about developing a comprehensive that a teacher of English. Dynamic part of the general curriculum. and detailed Strategic Plan and vivacious, Ms Hansen described Long-serving staff members Nicole encompassing every aspect of the the challenge of education as ‘the Lukins and Pat Fernandes retired. In School. Well known for her energy, need to help young people create 2005 there was a new Master Plan, insight and enormous commitment and work towards their vision for their and the redevelopment of the art to all that she undertakes, Ms Just future’. In the main, the planning and visual communication precinct has a vision for the School that is that took place at Lauriston during on the top floor of the Gladys Davies very much in keeping with all that the Hansen years occurred within a Special Studies Wing was opened Lauriston stands for, its reputation as context of thinking about the future, by artist Heather Ellis. The LPA Centre one of the finest schools in the nation gaining an understanding of the (student services) was also opened and its determination to provide the broad trends at work in society, and and the Lauriston Institute was best possible opportunities for all its determining how best to provide launched. A new curriculum for the students. students with the kinds of social, middle years of Senior School was intellectual, physical and ethical skills designed, with the aim of utilising Lauriston began its life at the dawn they would need. The wide range connections between subjects and of the twentieth century, as the of curriculum initiatives and building providing continuity of learning. realisation of the educational vision projects undertaken in support of In 2007 the Lilian Bayly Centre, of Margaret and Lilian Irving. Since these goals were a hallmark of the purpose-built for use by students in then, much has been accomplished Hansen years and symbolised much Years 7 and 8, opened its doors. Two – in the early days often with of what Meg Hansen herself believed years later, in 2009, a new dance comparatively limited resources. was important in a school such as and movement studio completed Lauriston today has much to be Lauriston. Early in her principalship, the staged refurbishment of the arts proud of, not only in terms of what it the School adopted the catchphrase precinct situated under Irving Hall. has achieved for girls’ education but ‘A School for Life’, and this concept also as a place where girls’ aspirations became an integral part of our logo Developments were meanwhile and abilities are highly valued and and of all marketing and related proceeding apace at the Howqua encouraged. Nowhere perhaps is materials. In 2002, the School Council campus, which celebrated its the appreciation of what the School’s identified Lauriston’s core values tenth birthday in 2003. The School ideals have meant to successive as ‘relationships, courage, creative acquired two additional properties in generations of students more aptly reflection, intellectual enquiry for Howqua River Road, and built a new expressed than in the opening words understanding, and engagement in Resource Centre and classroom, an of the School song: ‘We hail thee life’. outdoor classroom, a Health Centre, Lauriston / High in our hearts we hold and a tenth student House, named thee’. Redesigning the in honour of bequestor and Old learning environment Lauristonian Sarah Hollyer. Meg Hansen, like each of her The following year saw a School-wide predecessors, added much to study that looked at how spirituality the fabric and character of the and ethics might be included as
16 University Roll of Honour 1916–70
From its earliest years, Lauriston Up until 1970, the School recorded the names of its university graduates had a reputation as an on the honour boards in Irving Hall. By this time, however, it was clear that academic school where girls increasing numbers of Year 12 students were proceeding to university almost who aspired to go to university as a matter of course, and the School discontinued the practice of adding could qualify through the the names of graduates to the boards. Matriculation examinations. In this special year of Lauriston’s history, we are publishing the names and degrees of the School’s university graduates up to 1970.*
DM Andrews BA (1916), MA, Dip Ed (1918) J Saulwick BA (1947) M Moore Dip Soc Studs (1960) S Ingleton BArch (Hons) (1967) E Kirkhope BA (1917), Dip Ed (1918), MA (1919) J Attiwell BA (Hons) (1948) M Roberts BA, Dip Ed (1960) S McKeand BA (1967) KA Syme BA (1917), MA (1921), LLB (1923) P Gibson BA (1948) M Crawford BA (Hons) (1961) S Mollard BA (1967) CM Varley BA (1920) P Grant-Lipp BSc (1948) S Fitzpatrick BA (Hons) (1961) G Pyman (Standish) MB (1967) D Halford BSc (1921) B Kaufmann BA (Hons) (1948) J Furphy BSc (1961) P Ransome BA (1967) LP Bishop BA (1923), MA (1925) B Lapin BA (1948) B Hewitt BA (1961) S Ruskin BA (1967) E Gilbert BA (1923) N Appleby BA (1949) R Johnson BA, Dip Soc Studs (1961) E Smibert MB (1967) T Beckingsale BA (1924) J Beveridge BSc (1949) M Krimper BA (1961) S Sparber BA, Dip Soc Studs (1967) GL Fox BA (1924), MA (1926), Dip Ed (1933) C Carlyle BSc (1949) G Lang BSc (1961) J Taylor BA, Dip Soc Studs (1967) L Parkinson BA (1925) M Collard BA (Hons) (1949), Dip Ed (1950) J Macfarlane BA (1961) J Andrews BSc (Monash) (1968) E Kaye BA (1927) E Kingston BCom (1949) M Moore BA Dip Soc Studs (1961) D Bennett BDSc (1968) HK Irving BA (1928) D Mitchell BCom (1949) S Williams LLB (1961) M Carpenter BA, Dip Ed (1968) D Lane BA (1928), Dip Ed (1931) J Carrick BA (1950) C Coltman BA (Hons) (1962) M Charles BA (Hons), Dip Soc Studs (1968) K Pitt BA (1928) E Dow BA (1950) J Cotter BA, Dip Ed (1962) M Duke BA (Monash), Dip Ed (Sydney) (1968) G Williams BA (1928) L Freedman BA (Hons) (1950) K Hales BA (1962) C Everill BA (Monash) (1968) H Butler BSc (1929), DSc (1946) S Davies BA (Hons) (1951), MA (1953) J Hasker BSc (1962), MSc (1965) J Fabiyni BA, Dip Soc Studs (1968) D Clarke BA (1930) S Miller (Francis) BA (1951) B Hocking (Browning) BA, LLB (1962) A Harland BA (1968) W Gardner Dip Mus (1930) M Doggett Dip Phys Ed (1952) A Holt (Smale) LLB (1962) B Harrowfield BSc (1968) K Jacobs BA (1930), Dip Ed (1931) W Foote BA (1953) G Lang BSc (Hons) (1962) J Mcleod BDSc (1968) RN Gillespie MRCS, ALCP (London) (1931) B Knight BA (1953) G Seyforth BA (Hons) (1962) S Meldrum BA, Dip Ed (1968) E Marks BDSc (1931) H Langley BA (1953) C Burrows BA, Dip Ed (1963) H Vogel B App Sc (1968) E Pownall BSc (1931), MSc (1932) E McKechnie BA (Hons) (1953) P Byrne BMus (1963) H Weigel BA (Monash) (1968) I Thompson BA (1931), MA (1932) P Sandral BA (1953), Dip Ed (1954) H Isaachsen BA, Dip Soc Studs (1963) C Whitaker BA (Hons) (1968) B Cohen BA (Hons) (1932) P Janes BA (Hons) (1954) S Metz BMus (1963) J Bennett BA (Monash) (1969) GH Davies BA, Dip Ed (1932) B Knight BA (Hons) (1954) A Mountain BA (1963) B Birrell BSc (1969) Y Levey BA (1932) J Langley BA (1954) J Mountain BA (1963) P Fraser B Med Sc (1969) R Newton BSc (1932) J McMullin MB BS (1954) J Wark BA, LLB (1963) J Glass BSc (1969) E Owen BA (Hons) (1932) H Dick BA (1955) E Wynn BA (1963), PGCE (Bristol) (1967) J Maskell (Rood) BA (1969) F Latham BA (1934) F Mackay BA (1955), BEd (1958) C Burrows BA (1964) J Nankivell BA (Monash) (1969) D Wellington BSc (1934) B Newstead BSc (1955) M Donald BA (Hons) (1964) J Turnbull BA (Hons) (1969) J Hutchings MB BS (1937) H Andrews BA (1956) S Henry BA (1964), Dip Ed (1965) B Butchart BA (Hons) (Monash) (1970) D Dixon BA (1938) M Braithwaite BA, Dip Ed (1956) R Jackson BCom (1964) S De Wolf BA (Hons) (Monash) (1970) J Ince BA (1938) B Miller BSc (1956), Dip Ed (1957) D Woods (Skurrie) BA (1964) C Everill BSc (Monash) (1970) P McCurdie BSc (1938) G Phillipson BDSc (1956) E Courtney BA (Hons) (1965) S Hollyer BA, Dip Ed (1970) E Ward Dip Jour (1938) M Reynolds BA (1956) M Fabiyni BA, Dip Soc Studs (1965) B Hooper BSc (Hons) (La Trobe) (1970) S Ward BA (1938) W Tann BA (Hons) (1956) J Kerr BA (Hons) (1965) L Jonas BA (1970) V Dow BCom (1939) M Cairns BA (1957) C Moorhouse BA (Hons) (1965) L Marash BDSc (1970) M Hankey BA (Hons) (1941) E Mildred BA (1957) S Murray LLB (1965) J Meyer BA (1970) M Campbell BSc (1943) V Stiles BA (1957) R Rosen BA (1965) P Moss BA (Monash) (1970) J McMahon BSc (1943) P Werner BA (1957), BEc (Monash) (1965) D Skurrie BA (1965) V Owen BA (Hons) (1970) L Mullins BCom (1943) J Williams BA, Dip Soc Studs (1957) B Woinarski (Irving) BA (1965) V Piper PhC (1970) J Alexander BA (1944) B Carnegie BA (1958) E Arnold BA (Hons) (1966) S Reid (Hocking) BA (Monash) (1970) S Davies BA (1944) D Gillespie BMus (1958) S Dowsley BA (1966) J Screen BA (1970) L Fitzpatrick BCom (1944) P Lightfoot BA (1958) P Hiscock BA (Monash) (1966) S Screen BA, Dip Ed (1970) R Francis BA (1944) J Cairns BMus (1959) J Luke BA (1966) S Shnookal BSc (1970) B Schumer BSc (1945) J Keep BA (1959) A McCullough LLB (1966) H Webb LLB (1970) A Turner BA (1945) D Lambert BSc (1959) S Mason BSc (1966) B Welsby BA (Monash), Dip Ed (1970) M Browning BSc (1946) M Webb BA, Dip Mus (1959) J Beckwith BA (1967) M Frayne BA (1947) P Whittaker BCom (1959) J Briggs BA, Dip Soc Studs (1967) L Mathieson BA (1947) P Williams BA, Dip Soc Studs (1959) H Coldham BA (1967) A Mitchell BCom (1947) G Arthur B Ag Sc (1960) A Freadman BA (Hons) (1967) P Phillips BA (1947) J Lewis BA (Hons) (1960) P Hickman BA (1967)
*Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. However, if you know of any person whose name has been omitted, or whose qualifications are incorrectly recorded, please advise the School’s Archivist, Jenny Bars ([email protected] or 9864 7555). Unless otherwise stipulated, degrees listed are from the University of Melbourne. 17 Staff Profiles
Monique St Clair
Monique came to Lauriston in 2003 to This year, Monique is very excited to teach Physical Education (Kindergarten have taken on the position of Junior to Year 6), Year 1 Science and Year School Daily Organiser and Timetable 3 Science. Since then, Monique has Coordinator. In this role, she has a wide developed physical education and range of responsibilities, which include sport programs for the Junior School developing and implementing the and is currently the district secretary of Junior School timetable and liaising with the cluster of eight girls’ schools that colleagues to ensure that the timetable participate in interschool sports for runs efficiently; organising relief junior students. In this role, Monique teachers; and arranging the duty roster. organises carnivals for swimming, cross-country and athletics, and trials Active and engaged in a wide range for soccer, netball, basketball and of interests, Monique started dancing tennis. at the age of five and gymnastics at the age of eight. Her talent in and love After completing her degree in applied of gymnastics saw her travel to other science with a major in physical states for competitions, as a member of education, Monique joined the staff the Victorian state squad. Before retiring of Mentone Girls’ Grammar. She has from gymnastics at sixteen, Monique since worked in other schools and has had been placed thirteenth in Australia travelled extensively. and New Zealand. Today, she is involved in swimming and touch rugby, loves When asked why she became a ‘catching up with friends and family’ teacher, Monique explains that she and is busy preparing for her wedding, loves teaching and always wanted as she is getting married in April. to be a teacher, observing that: ‘Watching students’ progress and being able to effect change is incredibly rewarding’.
Chris Toms
Chris has been teaching in the Junior and ensure that all students reach their School for six years and has recently full potential. He sees his new role at been appointed to the position of Lauriston as an opportunity to focus on Director of Learning. Educated at the fundamentals of learning, through Brighton Grammar, Chris went on to innovative initiatives to enhance complete a Commerce degree at the literacy and numeracy, while also University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of further developing existing programs Education (Primary and Secondary) such as the netbooks in Years 5 and 6 (Deakin) and a Master of Education and the interactive televisions in Prep (Monash). to Year 4. Chris is also very focused on building positive and productive Chris has very strong family links to relationships with students and on the education. His father was on the staff further enhancement of strategies that at Brighton Grammar for forty-four encourage students to reach their years (including many years as head potential. of the Junior School), his brother is a teacher, and Chris met his wife while Outside Lauriston, Chris pursues his teaching at Kilvington. many interests, which include tennis, golf, watching cricket and football, As a member of the Junior School reading, travelling and his family. staff, Chris first taught Year 5 for More recently, he has loved being a three years and then Year 4 for hands-on dad and spending time with another three years. As evidenced his beautiful new daughter, Zoe. by his dynamic classroom style, he is someone who is passionate about learning. Chris absolutely loves teaching, and one of his key aims is to get the best out of every student
18 Year 12 Theory of Knowledge Camp
For many of our International Baccalaureate students, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course provides one of the most important components of the IB Diploma Programme.
TOK encourages students to step back Who Said Yes, He Who from the acquisition of knowledge in Said No. Four students order to consider questions such as: completed their TOK What do I claim to know (about X)? Am internal-assessment I justified in doing so? oral presentations at the camp, with At Lauriston, TOK is taught as a topics ranging from classroom subject, but the two-year polygamy to whether program also involves attendance at a mosque should be three TOK camps. The February camp, built at Ground Zero. for Year 12 students only, is held at During the camp, the University of Melbourne’s Ormond Lauriston teachers College. Being in residence at the of music, visual arts, College not only allows the students theatre, economics a concentrated period to work on the and English TOK subject but also gives them a taste provided stimulating of college life and some insight into the and challenging In May, the Year 12 group will join the world of university students. presentations. The students also took Year 11 IB students at this year’s second part in a share-trading simulation TOK camp (5–8 May). The camp is all work, but it is still greatly (where they proved themselves to be enjoyed by students and staff alike. ruthless but also compassionate!) and Eirwen Stevenson This year its dual themes were ethics a bush dance workshop. International Baccalaureate Coordinator and the arts. A highlight of students’ work on the ethics theme was their performance of the Brecht play He
Lauriston Institute
The work of the Lauriston the English, mathematics, history members but we expect that the Institute is cumulative, and science curricula have already numbers will grow during Term 1. in that we seek to build been developed and the Australian on and refine initiatives, Curriculum Assessment and Reporting As Director of the Institute, I have projects and strategies Authority (ACARA) is proceeding with been involved in discussions with that we already have the development of languages other the University of Melbourne, the in place, while also than English, geography, and the arts. International Confederation of looking out for new Principals, National Curriculum Services opportunities. One of the contemporary issues and Monash University about a being aired often in the popular press range of external consultancies and As we predicted in the is the move by some girls’ schools activities. Much is to be learned from last issue of Lauriston to coeducation. Much has been organisations outside the School, and Life, much of 2011 made of the view that coeducation benefits accrue from this networking. will be focused on more appropriately reflects the real consolidating and refining work we world. Lauriston, like many members This year we will again be running began in 2010. One of the most of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools, seminars for parents. The 2011 seminar important initiatives will be our challenges this view, and the Institute series will begin in Term 2. implementation of the Australian is conducting a literature review and For more information about the work Curriculum, which will need to be in field research in order to articulate the of the Lauriston Institute, contact Nick place by 2013. unique benefits that accrue from an Thornton ([email protected]. education in a girls’ school. We have some lead time but this will au or 9864 7611). quickly evaporate as we try to take We have had a very encouraging Nick Thornton on board a new set of curriculum response to our invitation to parents to Director of the Lauriston Institute designs. As many parents would know, participate in our English as a Second Language program. At present, we still have some spaces for family
19 From the Archives
The Archives has received a number of interesting donations since the appeal for materials to support the School’s 110th birthday celebrations was announced in the last issue of Lauriston Life. Many of these items will be placed on display during the course of the year. Our search for memorabilia is ongoing, so please think of the Lauriston Archives when you come across mementos of your schooldays. Recent donations include:
t SFQPSUCPPLTGPS4VTBO4BOESBM o t QIPUPTPG-BVSJTUPOTUBGGBOETUVEFOUT UBLFOJOCZ Patricia Ritter (née Sandral) t QIPUPPG+BDLJ#VSHFTT O¹F.D&MSPZ BOEIFSTJTUFSTJOUIF School’s 1956 Swimming Team t BOFYRVJTJUFFNCSPJEFSFEUFBDMPUINBEFCZ.FH McLennan (née McGowan), in Miss Howie’s craft class, 1952 t BCPYPGNFNPSBCJMJB JODMVEJOHQIPUPT DPSSFTQPOEFODF prize books, a school diary and school exercise books, from Libby Wood (née Taylor). Libby ended her twelve years at Lauriston as School Captain in 1966 t NBUFSJBMTGSPN+BOF'PY O¹F)BNJMUPO JODMVEJOHUIF running sheet for the fi nal Form 6 assembly in 1982, and other unique items t CJPMPHZQSBDFYFSDJTFCPPL GSPN(FPSHJF$MFHH (née Best), and Lauristonian magazines, 1927–32, that belonged to her mother, Joan Best (née Ramsay) t 4DIPPMCMB[FSBOEUJFTGSPN$BSPMZO&CFMJOH QFFSZFBS 1988) t -BVSJTUPOCBEHFEDSPDLFSZGSPN8FOEZ'PSCFT O¹F Penwarden) (peer year 1959). Music Mistress Miss Weir, 1947. Donated by Patricia Ritter. The Lauriston Equestrian Team, 1952. Donated by Meg McLennan. Dance card, 1966. Donated by Libby Wood.
Family Picnic Day
Family Picnic Day to celebrate 110 years of Lauriston held on Sunday 6 March, attended by more than 250 people.
20 Community News
Lauriston is 110 years old! During the School’s long history, there have been many wonderful women who have sat around the Moreton Bay tree at lunchtime.
We are excited about connecting with the vibrant community of OLAs and we hope you are too!
Prudence Barker Old Lauristonians’ Association
Wendy Wade (Anderson, 1955)
Wendy writes of her memories of her schooldays from her home in Western Australia:
Loved Lauriston! In particular, Miss Webb and Miss Weir (I absolutely loved music). Also loved Mrs Phillips (whose niece I came in close contact with over in Western Australia). Loved English Literature. Loved Miss Kirkhope and her contact with the Bible. The one thing I didn’t make much contact with was Maths! But I loved Past students from 1993-2004 at the alumni breakfast held on 24 March at the VIS, Melbourne. Mademoiselle and my French classes. Now I have four sons, so there’s (sadly) no When Lauriston girls leave the School, enjoy the benefits of a Lauriston future contact. I was in Mitchell and we each one becomes a member of education through the provision of were mostly beaten by Andrews. the Old Lauristonians’ Association scholarships, bursaries and prizes (OLA). The role of the OLA is maintain tcreating an accurate and Sarah Day (1995) the links between the alumni and the comprehensive database of school, enrich the present and build alumni contact details, skills and Sarah attended Lauriston from Prep for the future. experience to Year 12 and is now involved in a very exciting project that reflects her ensuring that alumni attending The role of the OLA is to maintain links t strong commitment to community events are provided with the best between the alumni and the school, and the environment. On leaving opportunity to reconnect with and enrich the present as well as Lauriston, Sarah attended the University the School and the OLA, through build for the future. The OLA Strategic of Melbourne, where she studied a well-organised and enjoyable Plan sets out the objectives and key Commerce and Arts. While enrolled reunion or event priorities for the OLA to achieve over at Melbourne, she also spent an the next five years. testablishing a roster of alumni to exchange year at McGill University attend reunions, events and School in Canada. Having completed her The first exciting program that the activities. undergraduate studies, Sarah spent Committee is working on to start in some years involved in environmental 2011 is a mentor program for current There are many ways that alumni can be involved with the OLA, including campaigns with groups including the Year 12 students. This will connect Wilderness Society, Friends of the Earth, Year 12 students with alumni who as mentors or mentees, speaking at a School event, sending news to and Environment East Gippsland. are working in the student’s field of She also founded an environmental interest. In the future, the OLA will be included in Lauriston Life, and updating your details with the OLA network called Eco-shout, which is now extend the program to connect the primary port of call for students established alumni with past Lauriston (you can do this online at www.lauriston.vic.edu.au – click on and environmental social justice students who are either studying at activists in Melbourne. university or in the early years of their the Community tab). Please contact the Committee if you are interested in careers. Sarah has completed a postgraduate being involved Diploma in Environmental Studies and ([email protected]). Some of the other key priorities a professional writing course. She is the OLA will be concentrating on currently the manager of the Ross achieving are: Keep your eye out for more OLA news through the OLA section of the House Association, the owners of Ross House, a five-storey heritage building tassisting the daughters of Lauriston website, Lauriston Life and in Flinders Lane that is home to more alumni, and other students, to Facebook. than fifty small community groups.
21 The School Remembers
Julie Borschmann (former teacher), 1958–2011
Memories of Julie Borschmann on the student Michelle Barkley became part of former Lauriston students and the first Lauriston girl to earn her their parents will focus on the variety private pilot’s licence, successfully of areas of the School in which she completing the two-hour oral and was involved. Many will remember three-hour practical examinations. a talented, skilful and engaged teacher, who meticulously prepared Julie is remembered by the her students for the transition to Senior Lauriston community as vivacious School life. and dynamic, and passionately committed to education and to Julie came to education after some flying. A very large contingent from years in the corporate world. She the extended Lauriston community began working at Lauriston in the late of past and present staff, parents 1980s, teaching in the Prep area, and students attended her funeral, before moving into the higher grades including: Ruth Tideman, Fiona Quinn, in the Junior School. Sue Cartmell, Annette Rome, Celeste McMillan, Amanda Cooper, Jane Julie’s versatility and resourcefulness Payne, Denise Dessau, Susan Lovell, soon became evident when she Jeanette Gunn, Michelle Gill, Maria obtained her private pilot’s licence Galanis, Sarah Kings, Jenny Hockley, in 1990, a night-flying rating and Ida Robinson, Eliza Russell and a twin-engine endorsement. As family, Lauren McCarthy, and Julia a qualified pilot, she went on to Champion de Crespigny. establish Lauriston’s unique aviation program. In June 2001, Year 12
Janice Treloar, OAM (Henderson,1945), 1929–2011
During her years at Lauriston, Janice was Captain of Irving House and excelled at swimming, hockey and tennis. She achieved her Leaving Honours certificate at Lauriston. In 1950 she married Bruce Treloar, and the couple settled in Tamworth.
Janice was awarded an OAM in 2003 for her services to the community. In 1963 she became the first volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Tamworth, initially cooking meals in her own kitchen. Continuing this work for the next forty-five years as the Meals on Wheels organisation grew, Janice contributed an enormous amount to community life. She was also president of her local golf club and bridge club. The Tamworth Council’s flag flew at half-mast on 12 January 2011, ‘as a mark of respect for a woman who gave such humanity and support to the city’.
22 A Proud Family History at Lauriston
Current students who have had a Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Mother, Great Aunt or Aunt previously attend the School.
Bequests
Lauriston exists today because of the many people who have supported the School over the years and have believed in what it stands for. As it has in the past, Lauriston today continues to rely on philanthropic support, in addition to tuition fees, in order to provide the kind of education that the School holds to be so important.
Outstanding among the names of the many who have given philanthropic support to the School is that of Elizabeth Kirkhope, who was both an Old Lauristonian and a long-serving Lauriston Principal. In 1948, Miss Kirkhope transferred the ownership and governance of the School, which had been a private business, to an incorporated School Council. Her faith in the future of Lauriston, and her desire to see the School continue to grow and prosper, are a testament to her vision and to her dedication to the school that had been her life’s work.
In recognition of the generosity and farsightedness of Elizabeth Kirkhope, Lauriston’s new bequest society has been named in her honour. The Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle of Giving will be offi cially launched later this year. Membership is open to anyone who has made a bequest to the School in their will.
A bequest to Lauriston is a wonderful way of ensuring that the School is able to continue providing much-needed scholarships and bursaries – particularly to students who might otherwise be unable to attend Lauriston. All bequests will make it possible for our ‘School for Life’ to enrich the lives of young women for many years to come.
Should you be interested in becoming a member of the Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle, please contact the Principal, Susan Just, on 9864 7555. All calls concerning donations and bequests are strictly confi dential.
23 Term 2 Events 27 April – 1 July
Prep- Yr 2 Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day Michael Grose Parenting Seminar Tuesday 3 May, 11.00 – 12.00pm Wednesday 1 June, 7.30pm Yr 12 VCE Theatre Studies Performance Lauriston Foundation & LPA Gala Ball Thursday 5 – Friday 6 May, 7.00 – 9.00pm Thursday 2 June, 7.00pm Class of 1991 Reunion Alumni Networking Breakfast Thursday 5 May, commencing at 6.30pm Thursday 9 June, commencing at 7.30am LPA Mothers Day Stall Speaker Dr Clare Scott Thursday 5 May Yrs 5 – 8 Autumn Concert Careers Night Yrs 10, 11 & 12 Wednesday 15 June, 7.30 – 9.00pm Monday 16 May, 7.30 – 8.30pm Principal’s Morning Tea & School Tour Principal’s Morning Tea & School Tour Tuesday 21 June, 9.30 – 10.30am Tuesday 17 May, 9.30 – 10.30am B l a i r h o l m e M a r ke t Class of 2001 Reunion Thursday 23 June, 8.30– 11.00am Wednesday 18 May, commencing at 6.30pm Montrose Recital (Yrs 3-6) Yr 10 Recital Friday 24 June, 3.30 – 5.00pm Thursday 19 May, 5.00 – 6.00pm Music Tour Farewell Concert Yrs 11/12 Recital Wednesday 29 June, 5.00 – 6.00pm Thursday 19 May, 7.30 – 9.00pm Blairholme Music Concert Howqua Expo at Armadale Wednesday 29 June, 1.00 – 1.30pm Friday 20 May, 3.30pm Yrs 5-12 Dance Festival Howqua Open Day Friday 1 July, 11.00 – 12.30pm Saturday 22 May, 11.30am Grandparents’ Week at Kindergarten Monday 23 May – Friday 27 May
For more details or to register for an event please visit www.lauriston.vic.edu.au or phone 03 9864 7555.
Live it. Learn it. Love it.
Advertising in Lauriston Life As of our next issue, members of the Lauriston community will have an opportunity to advertise in Lauriston Life. If you have a business or service that you would like to promote, please consider placing an advertisement in a magazine that goes out to more than four thousand readers – alumni, parents of current students, 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.
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