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St Catherine’s News Spring 2020
A Word from the President St Catherine’s School has had a rich history over its 124 years, and undoubtedly the happenings of 2020 will be deserving of their own chapter in the next book.
At the time of writing, we continue to live with the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am surrounded by family members scattered through my home as they work and run their businesses; listening to one-way meetings, and the tapping on numerous keyboards. Virtual meetings have become a constant – Zoom, Google, MS Teams and Skype usage have warranted the increase to our data plan. All of us have been affected by COVID-19, whether that be with enforced restrictions around social distancing, closed borders or shut schools. The scariness is the virus itself – keeping ourselves healthy and ensuring that those that are most vulnerable are kept safe. We all await the return of our new normal. SCOGA has worked closely with the School throughout this time, and I am enormously thankful for the both proactive and prompt approach of Council led by the Chair, Ms Jane Hodder, and the School by Principal, Mrs Michelle Carroll. The challenges which have been faced, and continue to impact many, are forefront in our minds. As a result of recent times, SCOGA embarked on initiatives to aid our Old Girls and current families – the ‘Blue Ribbon Angels’ and the ‘Babysitters Club’ were launched. With a call out to our Old Girls community for assistance, we were inundated with offers to help. We can’t thank these women enough for their kindness
and willingness to assist those who may be in need. Feedback from those who reached out for help was genuinely lovely, and we can only hope that these connections will continue as a key component of our Pastoral Care program. Over the years, St Catherine’s School has faced many challenges. One was the School’s evacuation to Warburton in 1942. With little notice, our girls were packed up and moved to make way for the Australian Army to take over Sherren House. War was raging and our girls needed protection. 2020 has once again thrust St Catherine’s into an incredibly difficult situation, where many families are struggling. The St Catherine’s School Hardship Fund was established in May for the support of current families in ensuring the continued education of their girls at St Catherine’s. As a result, SCOGA made a donation of $50,000 to this Fund, and we hope that this embracing gift will assist in leaving a positive and relief filled legacy during a time of great stress. Our wonderful reunions have also been affected by the restrictions placed upon us. One fabulous night snuck in prior to the State of Emergency, however we did need to postpone a number of scheduled events during our days of isolation. We thank the Year Group Representatives for their understanding, and look forward to rescheduling these events for 2021. The SCOGA Mentor program has been set to resume. Following the extraordinary uptake
from its launch, we are looking forward to the industry offerings and future mentors which are being organised for our Old Girls. The St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association will be celebrating its 100 years in 2021. As a Committee, we have begun working on our timeline of events and merchandise. We will keep all Old Girls informed of what lies ahead for this exciting milestone next year, and what needs to be marked in your diaries to come along and to enjoy the festivities. I sincerely thank the SCOGA Committee for all the reactive and proactive work which was tackled and developed throughout this time. Your dedication to continue to support our Old Girls community is immeasurable. To Principal – Mrs Michelle Carroll, Council Chair – Ms Jane Hodder, School Council, Advancement Director – Ms Jacqueline Williams and SCOGA Executive Assistant – Ms Meredith Taylor – I feel there were many times when we felt that all the balls were in the air. Hand on heart, your leadership has guided our much-loved St Catherine’s School through this difficult and challenging time. Thank you so much. 2020 will undoubtedly be remembered as a year where we lived through a significant time in history. Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President scoga@stcatherines.net.au
