2022 Year in Review

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our campus stands and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

As a leading girls’ school in Australia, St Catherine’s is committed to nurturing and empowering independent and globally responsive young women, enabling them to approach all their endeavours with confidence, wisdom and integrity.

St Catherine’s School Charter

TOWARDS 2025

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Strategic Intents

The St Catherine’s School Strategic Intents guide and inform our approach to life at St Catherine’s for our students, staff and wider School community, to fulfil our Charter as a leader in nurturing and empowering young women.

To achieve this, St Catherine’s commits to six strategic intents:

Academic Achievement

Embed an unwavering focus on intellectual curiosity through a rigorous academic program, sensitive to the needs of individual pursuits.

Exemplary Staff

Enhance the student experience through the engagement of exceptional staff, committed to girls’ education and wellbeing.

Wellbeing & Leadership

Encourage our students to be proud of their accomplishments, seek out challenge and build personal leadership and confidence.

Embrace Community

Ensure opportunities for our students through a cohesive, diverse and inclusive community of current and past parents, St Catherine’s alumnae and wider school network.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

Empower young women to discover through experience and find their voice in the communities and world around them.

Equip Our Future

Envision the delivery of learning environments for students and staff that lead the world in innovative and contemporary design and the delivery of exceptional educational programs.

Academic Success We Value Academic Achievement

Embed an unwavering focus on intellectual curiosity through a rigorous academic program, sensitive to the needs of individual pursuits.

VCE Results

In 2022, our Year 12 students displayed wisdom, perseverance, and courage through a most unique period of time. Emerging from two years of COVIDinterrupted schooling, requiring extended periods of remote learning across Years 10 and 11, our Class of 2022 stepped into their final year of School with passion, resilience, and enthusiasm.

“In 2022, the accolades and achievements mean so much as we step forward from the shadows of COVID lockdowns and remote learning in 2020 and 2021. As we settle into our new normal, we cherish a great sense of fulfilment as we witness the joy and success of all students.”

Our 2022 Year 12 Cohort achieved outstanding academic results across a broad range of subjects. The Median ATAR for the School was an exemplary 92.5 with a Median Study Score of 37, for a second consecutive year and over a third of the students (33%) achieved a Study Score above 40. These results replicate the outstanding achievements of the 2021 Cohort.

The finer details of the 2022 exemplary results reveal:

• 11% of students achieved an ATAR above 99; placing them in the top 1% of the State;

• 36% of students achieved an ATAR above 95; placing them in the top 5% of the State;

• 55% of students achieved an ATAR above 90; placing them in the top 10% of the State; and

• 70% of the cohort achieved above an ATAR of 85.

MICHELLE CARROLL, PRINCIPAL

TOP 2% in the state Study Scores of 45+ were achieved in:

TERTIARY PATHWAYS

Our graduating students will be represented in institutes including The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, The Australian Catholic University, Deakin University and Swinburne University. Our students also received global opportunities from universities across the world including Oxford, Stanford, Brown, Michigan, Bristol, and Manchester.

2023 Tertiary Institutes

The University Of Melbourne

Monash University

RMIT University

Deakin University

12%

Swinburne University of Technology

Australian National University

Brown University (USA)

University of Michigan (USA)

University of Oxford (UK)

Stanford University (USA)

26% 8%

Monash College

Box Hill Institute

Australian Catholic University

NAPLAN

In 2022, St Catherine’s School has again obtained exceptional NAPLAN results. NAPLAN data demonstrates the exceptional level of learning taking place in Barbreck, St Catherine’s Junior School.

This is testament to the skilled teaching by our staff across all Year levels and also the work and enthusiasm of our students. Our high NAPLAN scores support our view that the learning program we provide, the methodology of how we teach, and the diagnostic assessment tasks we set within the School, are of the highest standards.

St Catherine’s School Teaching and Learning Framework

In 2022, St Catherine’s School worked Towards 2025 with the following achievements across our Senior School, Junior School and Early Learning Centre.

Senior School

The Thinking Classroom

• Our Culture of Thinking Model has emerged through targeted strategies in every Faculty and subject area. A key focus for all teachers has been enhancing thinking in their classrooms through their strategies and programs. This model has led to outstanding academic achievements and equipped students with a suite of skills and strategies.

Teaching and Learning Framework

• Introduction of Teaching and Learning Framework to provide students with strongest foundation possible to reach their aspirations.

• Recognises that students learn best when their wellbeing is optimised.

• Framework aligned to School Values and Teaching for Thinking culture.

• Eight learner competencies utilised and differentiated at each Year level; Year 7 weModel, Years 8 and 9 weScaffold and Years 10 to 12 weCoach.

• Supported by research, the Framework instills the firm belief that persistence and intellectual curiosity are determinants of academic success and the direct relationship between students’ wellbeing and skills.

Year 9 Critical Conversations Program

• A key element of the Teaching for Thinking culture is the Year 9 Critical Conversations Program.

• Students develop their thinking skills through developing curiosity in asking questions, solving problems independently, academic risk taking and developing persistence when unsure.

• The learning model is unique and allows students to lead critical conversations in small classes with the teacher acting as an observer.

Academic Success

• In 2022, the Critical Conversations Program operated within Geography and History subjects.

• The Program runs within specialised rooms centered around large, oval tables where all contributors have equal access.

Senior Years Learning Model (SYLM)

• Introduced in 2021, the SYLM places Years 10 and 11 students into a hybrid learning model with face-toface classes and online delivery of masterclass lectures and tutorials.

• The Model was refined and developed throughout 2022 based on continual feedback.

• Students relished the opportunity for self-paced and independent learning through this Model.

• SYLM was recognised with an Excellence Award at the 2022 Australian Educator Awards: Innovation in Learning Environment Design.

Academic Success

ENGLISH

• Top 2% in the state for VCE English and VCE Literature.

• Return of ‘Write a Book in a Day’ for Years 7 and 8 English Honours students.

• Launch of ‘The Game of Loans’ increased book borrowing for Years 7 and 8 students by 184%.

• Visits by authors including Rosalie Ham, author of The Dressmaker, and Robyn Cadwallader, author of The Anchoress. Students were also addressed by Old Girl, Katie Jones (Bartley ’00), author of Storybook House.

• Coffee and Culture Club was created for students from Years 10 to 12, who are interested in contemporary issues, books, films, and theatre to gather, discuss ideas, and build connections and friendships based on intellectual interests.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Top 2% in the state for VCE Health and Human Development.

• Students worked with staff at the High-Performance Holden Centre (Collingwood Football Club) to gain exposure to the world of elite sport, and the use of data and testing facilities for elite athletes.

• Rowing was integrated into our Year 8 Core Physical Education curriculum. The Program resulted in an increase in Rowing uptake leading into the 2023 season.

HUMANITIES

• Top 2% in the state for VCE Philosophy, VCE Business Management, VCE Australian and Global Politics, VCE Accounting and VCE History Revolutions.

• Year 9 Humanities students involved in innovative Critical Conversations Program.

• Over 80 students took part in the Australian Geography Competition and National History Competition, with many high achieving students in both competitions. One Year 8 student placed in the top 1% of the country.

LEARNING PLUS

• Launched the Learning Plus Parent Resource on mystcatherines, which provides extensive resource material, videos and strategies for parents.

• St Catherine’s Learning Plus delivery recognised by Melbourne University as Gold Standard in learning intervention.

DRAMA

• One Year 12 student selected to perform as part of VCE Drama Top Class.

LANGUAGES

• Top 2% in the state for VCE Japanese SL, VCE Chinese SL, VCE French SL.

• Year 11 student, placed third in Japanese Speaking Competition.

• Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette Competition. Five Year 12 students reached the finals in this statewide competition.

• Growth in Chinese subject numbers, especially SLA students in the senior years.

MATHEMATICS

• Top 2% in the state for VCE Specialist Maths, VCE Maths Methods, and VCE Further Maths.

• Increased number of students acknowledged with High Distinction and Distinction awards in Mathematics competitions.

• Competitions included the Maths Olympiad run by the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad as well as Kangourou sans Frontières, Computational Algorithmic Thinking and the Australian Mathematics Competition all administered by the Australian Mathematics Trust.

SCIENCE

• Top 2% in the state for VCE Chemistry, and VCE Biology.

• VCE chemists completed the International Chemistry Quiz. Five VCE students achieved High Distinctions, six students achieved Distinctions and seven students achieved Credits.

• RACI Chemistry Quiz – Year 12 student achieved perfect score in Year 12 paper. This was acknowledged by RACI.

• Participated in the Australian Science Olympiad Examinations. Ten students achieved results placing them in the top 30%.

• Years 8 and 9 students completed the Big Science Competition

• Year 8 Science Honours students constructed a hydraulic arm.

• Year 7 Science Honours students completed the ASTA Spectra Award.

• New 3D-printing centre announced.

• Online breakfast event with NASA engineer Elizabeth Blome, Australian Jet Propulsion Lab Engineer, Dr Elizabeth Jenns and Stellar

Astrophysics PhD Candidate Giulia Cinquegrana.

• STEM Professionals in Schools continues with Professor Paul Wood working with Year 10 students on ‘Assessing the Credibility of Scientific Evidence’.

VISUAL ARTS

• Top 2% in the state for VCE Studio Arts.

• Selina Yao Gallery equipped with museum standard displays, filled on rotation, with products of creative and critical thinking.

• Nineteen Senior School students’ work was exhibited at the ISV Art Exhibition.

• Year 8 students were privileged to learn from contemporary Indigenous weaver Kathy Glass, proud Gurindi, Dagoman and Wardaman Woman, and proud mother of our Year 12 Boarding Captain, Jasmine.

• The Year 9 Signature Program welcomed textile designer Miss Sophie Yencken (’15) to share her industry experiences, Mr Stuart Parry shared the creative practice of an inventor and Year 9 Media created an awareness campaign film for the organisation RU OK?

• 2022 VCE Art Show was particularly exhilarating as we celebrated students’ artistic voice and achievements together, for the first time since 2019.

• One Year 12 student selected to be exhibited as part of VCE Top Arts.

Academic Success

CAREERS PATHWAYS & STUDENT EDUCATION

• Lunchtime sessions on Early Entry Schemes, Tailoring your Personal Statements, UK and USA applications, ANU Early Offer Scheme.

• Presentations from tertiary institutions.

• Careers Breakfast was held for the first time since 2019, giving students the chance to meet and learn from Old Girl mentors from various professions.

• As a key component of personalised academic care, Careers Counselling sessions continue to be a valuable experience for all our students.

• Careers Workshops extended to Years 7, 8 & 9 students. 73% of Year 8 students felt they had a better understanding of the values, qualities, and skills they possess following the Careers Education sessions.

• Year 10 Career Exploration Unit, Virtual Work Experience initiative allowed students to attain both soft and transferable skills. Students received a Certificate of Completion for their Careers ePortfolio and Curriculum Vitae.

Academic Success

Junior School Literacy & Numeracy

• Years 3 & 5 students performing at least two years above state and national means.

• Year 3 reading score exceeded Year 7 state and national means.

Science & STEM

• Students from Prep to Year 5 engaged in a relevant, exciting, and hands-on Science Program in the dedicated Barbreck STEM Lab. Focus learning in 2022 included the role of shelter in survival, learning about mixtures and how to separate them, learning about the features of living creatures, creating algorithms, how heat energy is produced and how it moves, how landscapes change over time and extending their inquiry skills in both Science and Engineering, designing food packaging and designing experiments looking at the development of mould in sandwiches.

• Head of Science in St Catherine’s Senior School, teaches STEM to our Year 6 students in the Ruth Langley Research and Learning Science Labs in the Senior School, providing a wonderful extension of their STEM skills as they transition into their senior learning.

Year 6 Academic Transition Program

• Commencing in 2022, Year 6 students participated in the Barbreck Academic Transition Program within the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and STEM, and Health.

• The program aims to support students as they move from the upper primary years, through to the middle years of schooling in Years 7 and 8 in the Senior School.

• The Transition Program introduces Year 6 students to Senior School facilities, engages them with expert staff in specialist fields of study and introduces Senior School practices prior to Year 7, ensuring they experience a smooth journey and strong academic bridge to Year 7 and beyond.

Continuous Feedback

• To provide a greater level of feedback to students and their parents, Continuous Reporting was trialled in Years 4 to 6 during Semester Two. A feature of this reporting practice is to report more regularly and provide feedback on areas of strength, areas for improvement and advice moving forward. This initiative was well received by both students and parents.

ART

• Inaugural Lower, Middle and Upper Primary Art Exhibitions in the Neilma Gantner Gallery Walk. All students participated alongside their peers showcasing what they made in Art class.

• Barbreck Arts Week celebrated the performances and creative work of all students, using the concept of travel.

• Artist-in-Residence Ms Lucy Mason, provided specialised artistic and dramatic classes to students from Prep to Year 6 during Arts Week.

FRENCH

• Early Birds French Program provides students new to French a weekly foundation session filled with fun games and activities, focused on movement and laughter.

• French conversation group ‘L’Equipe’ provided an opportunity for students to try more advanced speaking techniques.

• French home learning was also introduced in 2022 via the exciting DoulAugust Challenge.

Academic Success

HEALTH

• 2022 was the first year all Health lessons were face-to-face instead of online. This allowed for more fluid conversations and discussions.

• Many students were able to reflect and share their feelings on the impact COVID lockdowns had on their wellbeing and mental health.

• Dedicated Health classroom allows students to look at books and posters on our various Health topics and feel they can ask questions and share stories in a trusting environment.

STUDY TOURS

• Year 6 Canberra Study Tour: Students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The highlight for many girls was the visit to Parliament House, where they saw both the House of Representatives and the Senate in action.

• Year 5 Sovereign Hill Study Tour: This three-day Study Tour provides a rich learning opportunity, where students experience life as it was during the Gold Rush period of the 1850s to extend their Humanities classroom learning.

SPORT

• 93 Years 5 and 6 girls took part in the Bike Education program.

• 48 Year 6 girls took part in the Year 6 Irongirl Competition, completing 1300m of running and 150m of swimming.

• Year 9 Sport Coaching Program: Year 3 students coached by enthusiastic Year 9 students.

Athletics

• 35 Barbreck athletes competed in the Armadale District Athletics. Finished third overall.

• One student progressed to Regional competition.

• Four students progressed to Division competition.

• The 10 Years Relay Team won their event to progress to Division level.

• One student progressed to the State Championships in the Shot Put.

Cross Country

• House Cross Country was held in Term 1 in preparation for the Armadale District Competition. Davis were the overall winners.

• 40 students were chosen to represent St Catherine’s at District Cross Country.

• From District, one student finished fifth in the 11 Years age group. One student placed sixth in the 12/13 Years.

• One student placed 35th at the State Championships.

District Competitions

Our Year 6 students proved to be very enthusiastic about District competitions. District placings were:

• Soccer: third in district.

• Netball: fifth in district.

• AFL: fifth in district.

• Basketball: fifth in district.

Diving

The Armadale District Diving Carnival held at St Catherine’s in early Term 2 was a highlight for our keen divers. The standard of diving was high and our high performing divers in each age group were:

• Year 6 (12/13 years): A Division –third, B Division – first, second, third and fourth.

• Year 5 (11 years): B Division –third, fourth.

• Year 4 (10 years): In their first competition our divers performed all their jumps and dives to the best of their ability. Although they missed placing, they were proud of their efforts in their first dive carnival.

House Sport

At Barbreck all Years 3 to 6 students compete for their House in Swimming, Cross Country, and Athletics. The Years 5 and 6 students tackle many sports in their after-school sports time. Soccer, Netball, Handball, Tee-Ball, and flags are all played for House points, with students competing with tremendous House spirit. In 2022, Beaulieu Blair took out the overall honours.

Swimming

During Term 1 the Armadale District Swimming Sports were held. After individual events, St Catherine’s was equal second with relays to follow. Relays are always a test of depth, and where the larger schools shine through. St Catherine’s finished second with our 10 Years Relay Team progressing to the Beachside Division Carnival. In the Population Trophy, St Catherine’s were victorious.

Snowsports

• St Catherine’s won Overall Girls Primary School Championships at both Victorian and National competitions.

• The Victorian Interschools for Cross Country and the Alpine events were held in August and as always St Catherine’s was well represented in every event and division.

• At Nationals, the Division 4 XC Relay Team took first place with a spirited performance.

Tennis

St Catherine’s was represented by two students at the Armadale District Competition. Both girls finished midfield in a competitive tournament.

Early Learning Centre

• Developing children’s independence and extending their understanding of what it means to be a community of learners who respect and care for each other.

• Through their play, children were encouraged to take risks, problem solve, make mistakes, face challenges, and learn to share their thoughts and ideas with each other.

• The children explored Indigenous perspectives within the curriculum taking turns saying the Acknowledgement of Country, as well as participating in various Indigenous workshops.

• STEP into STEM Program saw the 4YO classes utilising the Junior School STEM lab to learn with the Barbreck STEM educator throughout the year.

Academic Success

• All classes participated in the Dr Jane Goodall “No Waste November” Project.

• As an extension of the children’s Science learning, the children in the 4YO classes participated in an excursion to Werribee Open Range Zoo where they were able to observe the animals they had been researching first-hand.

• Woodworking Workshop for 3YO classes. To extend their learning in the areas of mathematics and engineering as they designed and built their own wood buildings and sculptures.

• Community Vegetable Garden –the children collaborated to care for the vegetable garden and develop their understanding of sustainable practices and where food comes from.

• 4YO classes commenced the St Catherine’s French Language Program.

Wellbeing & Leadership

We Encourage Girls’ Wellbeing and Leadership

FOSTERING ACADEMIC CARE THROUGH PERSONALISED PROGRAMS Senior School Academic Learning Models

Our innovative programs develop 21st Century skills and dispositions in our students and are based on a foundation of academic care. Our Senior Years Learning Model, Independent Learning Tutorials and Teaching and Learning Framework focus on academic care and wellness.

Teaching and Learning Framework

To develop 21st Century skills in students, St Catherine’s developed the Teaching and Learning Framework in 2022. An innovative strategy that provided each student with the strongest foundation possible to reach their aspirations through the belief that students learn best when their wellbeing is optimised.

Thinking Classroom

St Catherine’s Thinking Classroom approach, ensured girls ‘used’ their knowledge, together with our trusted student-teacher-parent partnerships, and smaller class sizes, to create a consistently supportive routine across the year.

Junior School Barbreck Academic Strategy

Built from a foundation of care, the Barbreck Academic Strategy provided personalised learning for every student in Barbreck through ongoing feedback, assessment, and support. This ensured all students were engaged and connected to their learning by teachers who understood each girl’s unique characteristics and goals.

Continuous Reporting

To provide a greater level of feedback to students and their parents, Continuous Reporting was implemented in Years 4 to 6 during Semester Two. This initiative was well received by both students and will be expanded in 2023.

Specialist Health Program

All Barbreck students receive specialist Health classes throughout the year, exploring topics including their feelings and impacts of COVID lockdowns, being active, valuing diversity, exploring emotions, and staying safe. The dedicated Health classroom allowed students to explore various Health resources and feel they can ask questions and share stories in a trusting environment.

Encourage our students to be proud of their accomplishments, seek out challenge and build personal leadership and confidence.

Wellbeing & Leadership

Early Learning Centre Orientation Program

Allows young learners time to adjust slowly to their new learning environment and requirements of the educational program.

Transition Program

Girls moving from the Early Learning Centre into the Junior School received guided tours by the Head of Junior School and Prep teacher. Throughout the final semester our Prep teacher joins the 4YO class in the ELC for story time to build rapport and familiarity with the transitioning students.

Extensive individualised support is being provided to children where teachers have identified areas of need, particularly following on from extensive COVID lockdowns.

ENHANCING GIRLS’ LEADERSHIP

Our skilled educators guide our students to achieve deeper understanding of their personal capabilities and leadership potential. In 2022, St Catherine’s School worked Towards 2025 with the following leadership opportunities across our Senior School, Barbreck and Early Learning Centre:

Senior School Voice Ownership Inclusion Compassion Empowerment and Strength (VOICES)

Commencing in 2021, the Use Your VOICES Program provides opportunities for students in Years 7 to 12 to step forward and embrace leadership positions within the SRC, Student Executive in Year 12 and the Leadership Diploma offered in Years 9 to 11.

Student-led initiatives within VOICES included:

• Establishing The Stentorian, student monthly newsletter. The title means ‘loud’ and ‘powerful,’ and the success of this student led initiative is the stamp of bold, creative, independent, and resilient students.

• Student Commitment to Online Safety document within the SRC.

• Involvement in Child Safety Policy development for St Catherine’s School.

Student-Led Assemblies

A student-led approach to Senior School assemblies saw the 2022 Student Executive organise numerous guest speakers and issue-based presentations throughout the year, including:

• Guest Speaker, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp.

• Recycling Clothing Market, raising funds for Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots Program.

Leadership Diploma

Light and Dark Blue Leadership Diploma endeavours to showcase the breadth of talent and interests within our student body.

Dark Blue Diplomas demonstrate the ability to lead community service events in 2022, including:

• Supporting Old Girl, Toni Joel (Silver ‘82), and her charity ‘Off Your Back’ with a Coats on the Catwalk Parade, providing coats and jackets to rough sleepers across Melbourne.

• Climb it for Climate initiative raised $4,400, through students calculating the elevation they walk/run each day

• Book Drive for a new charity – the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation which is in alignment with the Child Safe Standard 1’s goal to increase student awareness of and support for the cultural safety for indigenous students.

Child Safety Policy Development

Along with staff and parents, the students formed an important part of the consultation process undertaken regarding St Catherine’s School’s Child Safety Policy creation and review. Students contributed via the Student Representative Council, the student survey and in Year Level sessions, and a group of Year 12 students comprising a Child Safety Focus Group. This student voice was instrumental in ensuring accessibility and relevance of new policies, including the creation of child friendly versions. The inclusion of students in such discussions emphasises their empowerment regarding their rights, as well as their responsibilities.

Wellbeing & Leadership

House System

St Catherine’s vibrant House System provides opportunities for students from across Year levels to enjoy House-led activities across a wide range of co-curricular activities. In 2022, House events included:

• House Swimming

• House Arts

• House Athletics

• House Cross Country

• House Meetings led by student House Captains

• House Debating

• House Chess

• House Public Speaking

• House Snowsports

Co-Curricular Clubs

School co-curricular clubs are an important way to promote and develop conversations and skills across the broad range of student aptitudes. In 2022, initiatives and activities from Clubs included:

• The Year 12 Cohort helped to knit blankets to assist people affected by the fires in Australia.

• Church Service collections donated to Mission Australia and Save the Children.

• 40-hr Famine fundraising.

• Annual netball game against St Kevin’s Year 12s raised funds for the Cancer Council.

• Human Rights Club increased student awareness of real-life, global issues by ensuring everyone is ‘part of the conversation’.

• GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) ran sessions which brought different Year levels together to discuss various topics surrounding the LGBTQI+ community.

• The Sustainable Easter Egg Hunt, promoted the importance of ethical and sustainable consumption. of chocolate and the effects of chocolate production on the environment.

• The Recycling Market inspired conscious consumerism.

• STEM Club provided students with opportunities to learn new skills and software, such as 3D modelling using Tinkercad.

Junior School

Barbreck Ambassador Program

All Years 5 and 6 students meet with the Head of Junior School to discuss ideas on improving Barbreck, to ensure the student voice is heard.

Student Leadership Captains

Our 2022 Barbreck student Captains provided leadership and guidance to the Barbreck student body throughout 2022. The 2022 School Captains selected the theme of Courage to “inspire Barbreck girls to be brave enough to have a go at new things and to build a supportive culture where we recognised and supported courage in others.”

Captaincy positions were:

• Junior School Captains

• House Captains

• Library Captains

• Music Captains

• Snowsports Captains

• Swimming Captains

• Cross Country Captains

Wellbeing & Leadership

House System

St Catherine’s vibrant House System provides opportunities for students from across Year levels to enjoy House-led activities across a wide range of co-curricular activities. In 2022, House events were:

• Regular House meetings, run by student House Captains

• House Tee-Ball

• House Volley Stars

• House Netball

• House Soccer

• House Athletics

• House Handball

• House Snowsports

• House Swimming

• House Cross Country

• House Flags

Co-curricular Clubs

In 2022, a student-based Environment Committee was established to help Barbreck girls form a genuine interest in helping their environment, both at a School level and within the wider community.

The Barbreck Chinese Club was launched in 2022.

Wellbeing & Leadership DELIVERING AN INTEGRATED WELLBEING PROGRAM

Guided by the Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Program, Aristotle, St Catherine’s Wellbeing Program weThrive, fosters development of emotional intelligence and resilience in all our students.

Through age-appropriate wellbeing lessons, students are equipped with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to face the challenges of adolescence and create pathways to embrace adulthood with confidence and courage.

In 2022, St Catherine’s School worked Towards 2025 with the following wellbeing initiatives across our Senior School, Junior School, and Early Learning Centre:

Whole School

• Introduction of new Child Safety Standards in accordance with Ministerial Order 1359.

• Established a student Child Safety Committee to ensure student voice is heard.

• Delivery of Child Safety Training and Workshops by Deputy Principal –Student Wellbeing to staff.

• Expansion of the weThrive Wellbeing Program to include Respectful Relationships curriculum from Prep to Year 12 and Consent Education.

Diversity Dash 2022

Students from Prep to Year 11 celebrated the diversity within our School Community through week-long activities in November, including:

• Traditional Chinese Dance performance from Year 9 student, Hexuan (Helena) Zhou.

• 2023 Student Executive explaining the realm of diversity within our community, including cultural, gender, age, and neurodiversity.

• Diversity Dash obstacle course –exploding colour run through the Village Green in Barbreck.

• Students embraced the opportunity to celebrate each other and the diversity that each person brings to the fabric of our School community.

• The ever-present student voice elected three charities to donate proceeds from the Diversity Dash too. The 2022 charities were The Trevor Project – $217 raised, Believe: neurodiversity – $242 raised and One Girl – $256.50 raised.

Senior School

• Delivery of Child Safety Training and Workshops by Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing to Senior School students.

• Consent Education presentations to Years 11 and 12 students.

The Resilience Project

In 2022, St Catherine’s School introduced The Resilience Project into the Junior and Senior School Wellbeing Program to provide additional resources to deepen their skills in gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness.

Beyond Boundaries Camps

• Year 7 Camp, Philip Island.

• Year 7 Bush Camp, Eildon.

• Year 8 Camp, Central Australia.

• Year 9 Camp; two groups to Western Australia, one to Far North Queensland.

• Year 10 Camp, Cairns, Far North Queensland.

Year Level Wellbeing Initiatives

Year 7

• Orientation for 2023 Year 7 conducted successfully. Year 7 leaders and Year 12 2023 leaders ran the day.

• Enlighten Education Session for all Years 7 Students (Improving self-esteem of girls).

• Melbourne Zoo Wellbeing Day.

• Composing a letter to themselves, to be read when they are in Year 12.

• Friendships, respect and understanding themselves presentation from Sex Education Australia (SEA).

Year 8

• Enlighten Education Session for all Years 8 Students.

• Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon.

• Selection of students from Year 8 into Year 9 Exchange program.

• Yoga and positive thinking.

• SEA seminar on Consent and Early Dating.

• Bounce Wellbeing Day excursion as the girls challenged their teachers and peers to dodgeball matches, flipping competitions and basketball shoot-outs.

Year 9

• RU Ok Day activities.

• Community Service with Sacred Heart Mission.

• The Resilience Project activities with focus on gratitude.

• Resume writing.

• House Netball.

• Newspaper fashion design and parade.

Year 10

• Dance-a-thon – raising funds for rare cancer.

• Anything but a Backpack – raising awareness for the Shred of Dignity.

• Book drive for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

• Wear a touch of Pink – Breast cancer awareness.

• Bounce Wellbeing Day excursion.

• Sexual Health Seminar on pregnancy, respecting boundaries and consent.

Year 11

• Tree Surfing and Enchanted Adventure, Arthur’s Seat.

• Student workshops, seminars, and presentations throughout the year.

• Ongoing support from Head of Year, House Tutors, Wellbeing Team, and Dean of Academics.

Year 12

• Year 12 Leadership Conference.

• Student workshops, seminars, and presentations throughout the year.

• Ongoing support from Head of Year, House Tutors, Wellbeing Team, and Dean of Academics.

• Final Day of Year 12 celebrations including food trucks, shared lunch, and music.

Wellbeing Day, 2022

There were many opportunities to see happy, active, and creative minds collaborating and celebrating St Catherine’s Senior School’s Wellbeing Day, held on Tuesday 22 November.

Wellbeing & Leadership Junior School

The Resilience Project

Mindful of the importance of the girls’ health and wellbeing, after the disruption of COVID, The Resilience Project was introduced to build positive mental health and assist the girls in becoming happier and more resilient.

Resilient Youth Survey

The Resilience Survey, undertaken by Years 3 to 6 students, showed St Catherine’s students scored well above national averages, especially in the areas of hope, life satisfaction, having teachers who care for them, feeling good about themselves and being ready to learn. It was also reflected in the results from our Student, Staff and Parent Survey earlier in the year.

Buddy Program — Year 4 to 4YO

The Four-Leaf Clover Buddy Program continued for ELC and Year 4 students, providing social connections and leadership opportunities.

Buddy Program — Year 3 to 3YO

Developed in 2021, the 3LC Friendship Program continued in 2022, providing a friendship program between Year 3 students and 3YO ELC children. This program builds self-confidence, independence and accountability for all children involved.

Beyond Boundaries Camps

The St Catherine’s Beyond Boundaries Program was back in full swing in 2022. Students from Year 1 through to Year 6 took part in unique outdoor learning experiences with opportunities to build social relationships, develop confidence and foster independence.

The outdoor adventures offered in the Junior School were, for many students, the first overnight camp experience after two years of cancelled programs.

The Program included:

• Camp Jungai in Rubicon for Years 5 and 6 students. Throughout the four days, the girls completed various activities and challenged themselves with canoeing, raft building, bush walking, balancing on the low ropes course and flying high on the Possum Pull.

• Gundiwindi Lodge in Wandin was the site for the Years 3 and 4 program. Archery, flying fox, damper cooking and the giant swing were just some of the exciting activities they participated in over three funfilled days.

• The Years 1 and 2 students started their first camp experience with a sports and teamwork session followed by a BBQ dinner at School. The Year 2 students enjoyed a sleepover in the Music Room in their personal slumber tents. This was a momentous moment for many, as it was their first time sleeping away from home.

Early Learning Centre Managing Emotions

• Early learners discussed and explored a range of emotions and strategies for managing different feelings. Zones of regulation were introduced as a tool for supporting children’s abilities to self-regulate and manage emotions.

• There was a strong focus on classroom community and strengthening of wellbeing as the children became connected to one another as a class following previous years of COVID lockdowns.

• Focus on developing a safety network. The children were supported in identifying and developing people in their own personal safety network. They completed visual representations with the names of these people as a reminder of who they can go to for support.

Buddy Program — Year 4 to 4YO

The Four-Leaf Clover Buddy Program continued for ELC and Year 4 students, providing social connections and leadership opportunities including designing book characters together and writing stories.

Buddy Program — Year 3 to 3YO

Developed in 2021, the 3LC Friendship Program continued in 2022, providing a friendship program between Year 3 students and 3YO ELC children. This program builds self-confidence, independence and accountability for all children involved.

MAINTAINING A DIVERSE, CARING AND SUPPORTIVE BOARDING COMMUNITY

At St Catherine’s, we are committed to ensuring our boarding students feel connected to our dynamic and vibrant Boarding House, offering them friendship, care and a broadened understanding of other communities and cultures. Boarders develop personal and academic independence within our nurturing and supportive environment.

Activities in 2022 included:

• Closed Weekend – provides an opportunity for boarders across all Year levels to get to know each other through a range of wellbeing activities at the commencement of the year.

• Charity Dress Up Night.

Wellbeing & Leadership

• Honouring and celebrating multiple cultural celebrations including an Easter egg hunt, Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival and Reconciliation Week.

• Nightly catch ups to share time together as a boarding family.

• Celebrating birthdays.

• Illawarra Gym.

• Boarders’ Socials with other schools.

Boarding Parents’ Activities:

• Welcome Afternoon Tea – Start of 2022 Welcome Afternoon Tea for boarders and their parents, held in the Illawarra garden. The event celebrates the value of relationships and the importance of staying connected to all boarding families.

• Parents’ Dinner – The Boarders’ Parents’ Dinner returned in 2022, held at the end of Term 3 with many boarding families attending.

• Year 12 Boarders’ Farewell –The Farewell Dinner for Year 12 boarders was held in Term 4 and was attending by Year 12 students and their parents.

Co-curricular Opportunities

We Empower Her Signature, Her Voice

Empowering young women to discover through experience and find their voice in the communities and world around them through a bespoke Co-curricular program, Her Signature.

Senior School SPORT Rowing

• St Catherine’s School’s First VIII Rowing Crew won the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in the UK.

• The 2022 St Catherine’s School Rowing season will go down in history as the School’s most successful season.

• St Catherine’s First VIII Crew (MMXXI) are now reigning international champions, Australian Champions, and back-to-back Head of Schoolgirls Champions.

Snowsports

St Catherine’s School had an incredible return to the mountains after two years off the snow. Over the season our Snowsports Team achieved:

• Victorian Interschools Championships

– Primary Girls School Champions.

• Victorian Interschools Championships

– Secondary Girls School Champions.

• Victorian Interschools Championships

– Primary Girls Cross Country Champions.

• Victorian Interschools Championships

– Secondary Girls Cross Country Third Place.

• Australian Interschools Championships – Primary Female Champions.

• Australian Interschools Championships – Primary Female Cross Champions.

• Australian Interschools Championships – Secondary Female Runners Up.

• Australian Interschools Championships – Secondary Female Cross Country Runners Up.

GSV Sport

2022 produced St Catherine’s School’s most successful year within the GSV Competition, with 14 finalists (12 in A Grade competitions).

Athlete Development Academy

Established in 2022, the St Catherine’s Athlete Development Academy provides a platform to aspiring female athletes to further develop their sporting abilities through individualised sport-specific training programs and a suite of athlete education services including sports psychology, nutrition, recovery and injury prevention, time management and goal setting.

In 2022, 13 athletes participated in the pilot program, with provision to expand the program in following years.

Partnerships with Sporting Bodies

St Catherine’s built partnerships with Team Mathews Running and the Malvern Harriers Athletics Club. These provide access to elite coaching for our runners who would like to further their engagement in the sport, as well as access to facilities for our GSV training sessions.

Co-curricular Opportunities

CREATIVE ARTS

The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre

Officially opened on 25 May 2022 by the Hon Julie Bishop. Ms Bishop declared the bespoke theatre open and announced its new name in honour of our leading gift benefactors, Jamie and Rebecca Gray.

Urinetown: The Musical

Senior School production that showcased the skill of St Catherine’s cast and crew. It was the first theatrical production to be staged in the new Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.

The Production received acknowledgement from the Musical Theatre Guild of Victoria in the following categories:

• Junior Female Performer in a Leading Role: Nomination –Charlotte Aston, Bobby Strong, Urinetown, St Catherine’s School. Commendation – Freya Cantwell, Hope Cladwell, Urinetown, St Catherine’s School.

• Musical Direction of a Junior Production: Commendation –Nick Grunden and Tim Collins, Urinetown, St Catherine’s School.

• Direction of a Junior Production: Commendation – James Brown, Urinetown, St Catherine’s School.

• Junior Production of the Year: Commendation – Urinetown, St Catherine’s School!

Years 7 & 8 Play Curious Comedies

Curious Comedies, a set of one act plays, was presented by a cast of 43 Years 7 and 8 students and another 28 students behind the scenes as design, technical, front of house and backstage teams.

Music in the Classroom

• One VCE Music student gained entry to New York University Steinhardt School of Music.

• Practical music making curriculum including Japanese Taiko Drumming and African Drumming courses.

• Year 9 student Masterclass with visiting artist Stephanie Stamopoulos (Cello).

• Focus on studesnt voice through performances for students participating in the Year 7 & 8 Soiree and Years 7 & 8 Concert.

Concerto Concert

The Concerto Concert was a mostcelebrated event for showcasing our outstanding musicians with seven soloists and two duets performed during the evening with the support of the Jorgensen Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, and Head of Music, Mr Nick

Grunden as accompanist on piano. It was the first musical performance to be held in St Catherine’s School’s new performing arts space, The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.

Gala Concert

St Catherine’s Music community returned to the Melbourne Recital Centre for the first time since 2019 for the 2022 Gala Concert. The significant occasion focussed on gratefulness and celebration under the theme Journeys. With the support of Music staff, 230 students from Years 3 to 12 performed in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

Jazz Night

An elegant evening of Jazz featuring the amazing talents of the St Catherine’s School Music students. The evening was held in the Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre and celebrated the outstanding musicianship of St Catherine’s senior singers and instrumentalists with performances from the Jazz Band, Viva Voci, Glee, and soloists.

Senior School Recital

Held in the Sherren House Ballroom in May. Students from Years 7 to 12 performed flute, violin duets, piano, guitar and guzheng from a range of genres, including Classical Chinese (originating from Japan) and J.S. Bach to modern day pop music like Olivia Rodrigo’s Jealousy Jealousy.

TRIPS & EXCHANGES

With much excitement St Catherine’s Global Exchange Program re-commenced in 2022, following on from two years of COVID related cancellations.

Program Schools

French Exchange 2022 Cours Fenelon – eight students

Year 9 Exchange UK Culford – three students

St Catherine’s Bramley – three students St Georges Ascot – three students

Year 9 Exchange Canada Shawnigan Lake School – three students

Crofton House – two students (new exchange)

Year 9 Exchange USA Buffalo Seminary School – six students

Year 9 Exchange – Domestic NEGS Armidale NSW – two students

Year 10 Exchange Tower Hill, USA – five students

NASA Science Tour 20 students

French Exchange 12 students interested

Japanese Study Tour 13 students interested

CASE Ocean School Biology Tour to Far North Queensland

Co-curricular Opportunities

Debating & Public Speaking

In 2022, we had many students across all Year levels participating in the program, embracing opportunities to extend their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Debating highlights include:

• Participants were provided with 95 separate opportunities to debate in 2022 across six different internal and external debating competitions including Senior Debating, Junior Debating, House Debating, British Parliamentary Competition, the Debaters’ Association of Victoria Women’s Competition, and the Deakin Law Debate.

• Amazing results in the DAV Schools Competition (Years 9 to 12) and the Junior Secondary Program (Years 7 & 8). Special recognition is extended to our C Grade Team 1, who made it to the playoffs, and A Grade Team 2 who reached the quarter finals, placing them in the top eight teams in the state.

• Many teams are coached by Old Girls, reinforcing the strength and rationale of our co-curricular program in terms of developing proficiency, as well as leading and giving back to our School community.

Public Speaking highlights include:

• DAV Public Speaking Competition, Rotary Ainger Peck Public Speaking Award, VCAA: Plain English-Speaking Award and Rostrum: Voice of Youth. One Year 8 student was a finalist in her competition and two students were named Regional Runners Up.

• In 2022 students were involved in British Parliamentary Debating, DAV Women’s Competition, and the Bond University Virtual High School Mooting Competition. These events extended their orating skills beyond the typical competitions.

• Two Year 10 students achieved ninth place overall in the British Parliamentary Competition. Both students were in the Top 10 Speakers for the competition. This is a significant achievement as the competition was attended by 20 schools, 45 teams, and 104 students.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAM

In 2022 six students received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Program continues to provide outstanding opportunities for students from Year 8 onwards.

Junior School SPORT

• 93 Years 5 and 6 girls took part in the Bike Education program.

• 48 Year 6 girls took part in the Year 6 Irongirl Competition, completing 1300m of running and 150m of swimming.

• Year 9 Sport Coaching Program: Year 3 students coached by enthusiastic Year 9 students.

Athletics

• 35 Barbreck athletes competed in the Armadale District Athletics. Finished third overall.

• One student progressed to Regional competition.

• Four students progressed to Division competition.

• The 10 Years Relay Team won their event to progress to Division level.

• One student progressed to the State Championships in the Shot Put.

Co-curricular Opportunities

Cross Country

• House Cross Country was held in Term 1 in preparation for the Armadale District Competition. Davis were the overall winners.

• 40 students were chosen to represent St Catherine’s at District Cross Country.

• From District, one student finished fifth in the 11 Years age group. One student placed sixth in the 12/13 Years.

• One student placed 35th at the State Championships.

District Competitions

Our Year 6 students proved to be very enthusiastic about District competitions. District placings were:

• Soccer: third in district.

• Netball: fifth in district.

• AFL: fifth in district.

• Basketball: fifth in district.

Diving

The Armadale District Diving Carnival held at St Catherine’s in early Term 2 was a highlight for our keen divers. The standard of diving was high and our high performing divers in each age group were:

• Year 6 (12/13 years): A Division –third, B Division – first, second, third and fourth.

• Year 5 (11 years): B Division –third, fourth.

• Year 4 (10 years): In their first competition our divers performed all their jumps and dives to the best of their ability. Although they missed placing, they were proud of their efforts in their first dive carnival.

House Sport

At Barbreck all Years 3 to 6 students compete for their House in Swimming, Cross Country, and Athletics. The Years 5 and 6 students tackle many sports in their after-school sports time. Soccer, Netball, Handball, Tee-Ball, and flags are all played for House points, with students competing with tremendous House spirit. In 2022, Beaulieu Blair took out the overall honours.

Swimming

During Term 1 the Armadale District Swimming Sports were held. After individual events, St Catherine’s was equal second with relays to follow. Relays are always a test of depth, and where the larger schools shine through. St Catherine’s finished second with our 10 Years Relay Team progressing to the Beachside Division Carnival. In the Population Trophy, St Catherine’s were victorious.

Snowsports

• St Catherine’s won Overall Girls Primary School Championships at both Victorian and National competitions.

• The Victorian Interschools for Cross Country and the Alpine events were held in August and as always St Catherine’s was well represented in every event and division.

• At Nationals, the Division 4 XC Relay Team took first place with a spirited performance.

Co-curricular Opportunities

Tennis

St Catherine’s was represented by two students at the Armadale District Competition. Both girls finished midfield in a competitive tournament.

PERFORMING ARTS

Opportunities to perform were available to students in a variety of modalities, including structured music concerts as well as performances during Barbreck assemblies and community events.

School Assemblies

School Assemblies are student-led, featuring upper Primary students playing the National Anthem, and have provided the opportunity for weekly solo performances. All choirs and musical ensembles perform at our Music Assemblies.

Church Services

In Term 1, the Barbreck community gathered at St. John’s Anglican Church to celebrate Easter through singing, prayers, and instrumental music. The Service was brought to life by contributions from the Epstein Singers and Year 6 String Trio.

Special Visitors’ Day

Held in Term 2, Special Visitors’ Day was a highlight, providing our Prep to Year 3 students the opportunity to perform to an audience. The Concert opened with Petit and Year 2 Strings, followed by a special solo item. The lower Primary girls loved singing Peace Like a River, which involved special visitor participation, The Barrier Reef, and Welcome the Day (Year 3).

Gala Concert

The Gala Concert featured performances from the Epstein Singers and Barbreck Choir, accompanied by the Junior School Percussion Ensemble. These choirs participated in a Combined Choral item singing Out There with the Senior School girls. Our string players played Wildfire, in the Massed String item.

Junior School Concert

This Concert provided the opportunity for girls from Prep to Year 6 to share their talents and represent the creative community at St Catherine’s. The program was filled with pieces that gave a contemporary and upbeat feel to the night. At the end of the night, the whole Junior School came together to perform a Massed Choral item singing It’s Bonfire Season, an electric song by Alice Chance, a young Australian composer.

DRAMA

2022 was a wonderful opportunity for our Barbreck girls to explore their drama skills.

• Large co-curricular groups presented their works in the new performing arts space, The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.

• The Year 4 Perform Program staged their self-devised Spooky Musical, highlighting the power of friendship to overcome ‘monsters’ in your life.

• The Year 3 Stage Skills performers presented the tale of Peter Rabbit to an appreciative audience, complete with virtual backgrounds, costumes, and narrators.

• Speech and Drama students in Years 5 & 6 relished the opportunity to compete in both the Eisteddfod by the Bay and the SDTAV Eisteddfod this year, with some exceptional results.

• Speech and Drama lessons are a weekly co-curricular offering that follow the Trinity College London Syllabus to prepare for graded exams at the end of each year.

DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

After two years online, what a delight it was to conduct debates in person! Coached by a dedicated group of Year 10s, our Barbreck debaters rapidly developed their skills in a supportive team environment. Highlights of the season included:

• Senior School Co-Captains were guest speakers during Barbreck debating sessions.

• Senior School Debating and Public Speaking Captains were guest adjudicators for a Barbreck debate.

• Year 6 debaters learnt much from their feedback which stood them in good stead in subsequent debates.

WRITERS’ CLUB

The aim of our Writers’ Club is to build on the wonderful teaching and learning that happens in class as we support our girls to become confident and independent writers.

• Refinement and extension of students’ writing skills as they composed texts and used a variety of language features and literary devices to engage their audience.

Co-curricular Opportunities

• Years 5 & 6 students celebrated being authors and explored creative ways of writing.

• Studying Dreamtime Stories and creating collaborative pieces in a small group were some of the tasks they enjoyed the most.

CHESS

After two years, it was wonderful to welcome the girls back to Chess Club, held every Monday at lunchtime.

• Girls from Years 2 to 6 enjoyed the opportunity to play games face-toface against their friends and peers and learn new skills from our external Chess Coach.

• The inaugural Barbreck Chess Tournament was created in 2022 as a new initiative to introduce girls to chess competitions. The event was a huge success with many girls experiencing their first chess competition.

• In Term 4, a team of four girls represented St Catherine’s in the Victorian Girls’ Chess Finals at Glen Eira College. The girls were excellent ambassadors for St Catherine’s School.

Early Learning Centre Ballet

The reinstatement of St Catherine’s Dance Program in 2021 saw our ELC learners enjoy opportunities to explore Ballet. In 2022, two ELC Ballet classes were run in the Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre by ‘Circle Studios.’

Learn to Swim

Demand for ‘Learn to Swim’ classes with H2O Swimming Works for ELC children remained high.

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)

Both 3YO and 4YO classes commenced the PMP program in 2022. The Program develops children’s core strength, upper body strength and ability to follow instructions.

Exemplary Educators We Commit to Exemplary Staff

St Catherine’s Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award

Ms Sue Macgeorge announced as the ninth recipient of the St Catherine’s Teaching in Excellence Award. This Award is peer nominated and recognises consistent and dedicated service to teaching, excellent student outcomes and a willingness to share successful teaching and learning strategies.

VCAA Assessors 2022

Fifteen, St Catherine’s VCE teachers engaged in the opportunity to be Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) markers and assessors.

Assessing VCE external examinations provides valuable professional development, interaction with colleagues at other schools and an opportunity to contribute more broadly to the VCE external assessment process.

In 2022, the following St Catherine’s staff have contributed to the state-wide process:

Mathematics

Mrs Janette Matt –Assistant Chief Assessor for Specialist Maths

Mr Wei Wang –Specialist Maths Exam 2

Mrs Angela Klancic –Maths Methods Exam 1

Science

Ms Sue Macgeorge –Biology Assistant Chief Assessor

Ms Vanessa Jackson-McRae –Chemistry

Humanities

Ms Anna Curnow –History Revolutions & Ancient History

Mr Paul Gilby –Global Politics & EAL

Languages

Ms Asuko Okumura –Japanese

Miss Weini (Winnie) Xie –Chinese

English / EAL

Mr Darren Plunkett –EAL

Miss Kristy Forrest –English

Ms Vasiliki Spanos –Literature

The Arts

Mr Nick Grunden –Music Practical and Theory

Mrs Alison Cassidy –Visual Communication & Design

Mr James Brown –Theatre Studies

The Thinking Agenda

Our Culture of Thinking Model has emerged through targeted strategies in every Faculty and subject area. A key focus for all teachers’ professional learning has been enhancing thinking in their classrooms through their strategies and programs. This model has led to outstanding academic achievements and equipped students with a suite of skills and strategies.

St Catherine’s School enhances the student experience through the engagement of exceptional staff, committed to girls’ education and wellbeing.

Staff Professional Learning

Dr Peter Ellerton from the University of Queensland’s Centre for Critical Thinking provided insights to St Catherine’s staff on critical thinking in education.

• Cultivating the Thinking Classroom

Keynote Address delivered by Dr Tim O’Leary, discussing the idea that cultivating a strong classroom culture (or ‘vibe’) is the key to impactful practice.

• Cultivating the Thinking Classroom

Guest Speaker Dr Peter Ellerton delivered a workshop on ‘The Importance of Teacher Intent in Questioning’.

• St Catherine’s Professional Learning Teams, collaborated on designing projects around imperatives such as:

• Increasing the metacognitive capacities of senior students to assist them in acting purposefully on feedback and improving deliberate practice.

• Developing independence in Year 9 students through faculty-focused signature programs, to equip them with the skills necessary for transition into the senior years.

• Using scaffolding tools such as thinking routines and online tutorials in Year 10, to improve student self-efficacy.

The Educator – Hot List

Named in The Educator Hot List for 2022, Ms Michelle Carroll, Principal and Mrs Ceri Lloyd, Director of Teaching and Learning are highlighted as leaders to watch in the Australian education sector. Assessed against their peers, the Hot List recognises educators who are providing innovative and exceptional learning experiences for students.

Australian Education Awards –2022 Excellence Awardees

Best School Strategic Plan: recognises the best strategic plan developed by a school in Australia.

Innovation in Learning Environment Design: recognises the best innovation in learning environment design developed by a school in Australia.

Junior School

All Junior School staff from Prep to Year 3 have now completed the Sounds Write Program. It is a quality phonics program, and its purpose is to provide classroom professionals with a comprehensive system with which to teach reading, spelling and writing.

Early Learning Centre

ELC educators undertook professional learning in the areas of:

• Child Safety practices and how to embed the new child safe standards in the classroom.

• The Reggio Emilia Approach.

• Teaching for Thinking.

• Mindfulness Practices.

• Sustainability Practices.

• Digital Documentation of children’s learning.

Our Community

We Embrace our Diverse Community

Ensuring opportunities for our students through a cohesive, diverse and inclusive community of current and past parents, St Catherine’s alumnae and wider School network.

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA)

• Reunions

• Leavers’ Panel

• Mentor Program

• SCOGA Fellowship 2022

• Year Group Social Evenings

• 100 Days of Prep Bag Tags

• Careers Breakfast

St Catherine’s School Auxiliaries

Past Parents’ and Friends’ Network (PPFN)

COVID restrictions impeded much of the calendar of events for PPFN in 2022, however the bi-annual ‘All Year Levels Social Evening’ was able to be held in the newly opened Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.

In collaboration with the PFA, the PPFN also hosted a Father’s Night at the Toorak RSL.

St Catherine’s School Foundation

• Official opening of The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.

• Launch of the She is Strong Campaign to raise funds for the Sports Centre redevelopment.

• Release of the 2021/22 Impact of Giving Report

• Ongoing support of St Catherine’s School’s scholarship, building and endowment funds.

Parents’ and Friends’ Association (PFA)

• 2022 welcome event at the commencement of the school year.

• Year level social events.

• Twilight Picnic for ELC and Barbreck families.

• Father’s Social Night at Toorak RSL in collaboration with the PPFN.

• Mother’s Day Stall and Breakfast with Guest Speaker, Miss Georgia Beattie (‘04) CEO of Bulla Park.

• Father’s Day Breakfast with Guest Speaker, Mr Kevin Sheedy AO.

• Ruth Langley Luncheon with Guest Speaker, the Honourable Julie Bishop.

• Christmas Fair.

Heyington Club

• Rowing Squads provided with Kit Bags including drink bottles, socks, and towel.

• Empacher boat donated to Rowing Program by eight families.

• Fundraising through Heyington Club merchandise.

• Head of Schoolgirls’ Regatta Dinner.

• Heyington Cup – Parent Race launched.

• Crew Presentation Awards Night.

• Five new boats ordered for the 2022/23 Rowing season.

Our Community

Creative Arts Auxiliary

• Supporting the creative arts departments through productions including Urinetown, Curious Comedies, Jazz Night, and the Concerto Concert performances.

• Donation of lighting console for the new Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.

Snowsports Auxiliary

• Season opening ice skating event for participants.

• Season opening Parents’ Social Evening.

• Snowsports Swap.

• On the mountain functions during House Snowsports and the Victorian Cross Country Interschools.

Sports Auxiliary

• Father/Daughter Dinner held in the Long Room at the MCC, with Guest Speaker Dr Richard Harris, SC, OAM, and Emcee Mr Andrew Demetriou.

• Huntingtower-Heyington Cup – annual St Catherine’s versus Lauriston AFL match.

• Celebration of Sport Breakfast with Guest Speaker, Track and Field Olympian Bendere Oboya.

• Catering at key events throughout the sporting calendar including end of season training sessions, House carnivals, and running events.

Our Future

We Equip our Future

Envision the delivery of learning environments for students and staff that lead the world in innovative and contemporary design and the delivery of exceptional educational programs.

Whole School

• Official opening of The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre, St Catherine’s bespoke performance and learning space for performing arts.

• Critical Conversations Classrooms – specialised classrooms with large, oval shaped tables to accommodate free-flowing, dynamic contributions from participants.

• Selina Yao Gallery equipped with museum standard displays, filled on rotation, with products of creative and critical thinking.

• Improvements and developments to the mystcatherines app to ensure a connected and informed School community.

• Ongoing participation in Sustainability Victoria’s Schools Program.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Program.