B R O A D E R H O R I Z O N S - St Hildas School

BROADER HORIZONS
ISSUE 3, 2010

Connecting with technology
Staff interested
to hear from parents
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The way we connect with technology continues to change
within the School. Next year we are introducing iPads to the
students in Years 5 to 12.
At first appearance this may seem a courageous initiative. In
reality, it was an easy decision. The iPad is not the solution to
every computing need we will have at the School. However, it
will enable every user to solve most of their daily needs with
little fuss.
The iPad is light, it has excellent battery life and we will be
able to reduce the weight of bags as we transfer books into
digital format. The cost of books will be cut as we replace print
with electronic format.
In all of the simple tasks the iPad will easily do what
we need to achieve in school life. It has the ability to
mail, search the internet, typing is simple, preparing a
spreadsheet is easy and a presentation can be constructed
elegantly with reasonable intuition.
Students enjoy test-driving the new Apple iPad on Open Day.
Lest I sound like an advertisement for Apple, I will pause to
comment that we will continue to provide laptops for more
complex tasks and ensure the School is well-served by a strong
broadband network with ample bandwidth.
Many of the School’s Heads of Faculty have been using an
iPad since the start of the term. The initiatives that have
flowed from this trial are exceptional and suggest we are
entering an exciting era of educational reform and creative
thinking.
The excitement is not really the iPad; rather it is the thinking it
encourages and enables us to fulfil. Knowing the exact answer
about what will happen is not suited to iPad thinking. Being
prepared to consider new approaches is encouraged by the new
options it opens for schools.
How it does this is not really complex. The iPad is useful in
schools because it gets the equipment out of the way; it does
not distract us as we think about the operating system. It is not
a pest because it dominates the room and is faster at doing the
essential of connecting us to each other, which is where the real
learning matures.
I know that many would find the modern school a vastly
different place because of the technology. They would find that
many aspects of the modern school have changed.
I suspect that the relationships that exist in modern schools
would be the greatest change and the differences in technology
would simply be an item of great curiosity.
Mr Peter Crawley
Head of School
Cover: Scenes from the Gala Concert held at the Arts Centre Gold Coast.
Story page 13.
St Hilda’s School Counsellor Mrs Nicole
Hinchcliffe is interested to hear about the
needs of parents and families connected
with the School.
Mrs Hinchcliffe is a psychologist with
more than 14 years of experience
working in counselling. She holds a
Science degree, a Master of Arts in
Mrs Nicole Hinchcliffe. Psychology and a Master of Couple and
Family Therapy. She has worked as a family therapist, a sexual
assault counsellor, a couples therapist, a school counsellor and a
psychologist in child and adolescent mental health.
“An understanding of the family as a natural system and basic
unit of functioning underpins all of my work,” said Mrs Hinchcliffe.
“Within this framework I find that it is helpful to know the
parents’ perspectives about their daughter’s situation.”
Mrs Hinchcliffe may be contacted on 07-5532 4922 or email
nhinchcliffe@sthildas.qld.edu.au
St Hilda’s School welcomed Ms Louise
Lewis as Director of Admissions in
2010, assisting parents in enrolling their
daughters at the School.
Ms Lewis brings to the role four years’
experience as a school registrar and
seven in school administration. She
also has a substantial administrative
Ms Louise Lewis. background in law.
Ms Lewis has become a familiar face to new parents and
students. With her warm and helpful approach, she is pleased to
assist families in any way.
Ms Lewis can be contacted on 07-5577 7232 or email
llewis@sthildas.qld.edu.au

Jacqueline Gerrard and Jessica Anderson.
Good Coffee Café
a great idea
Senior students love a good coffee and hot chocolate and leapt
at the chance to open St Hilda’s very first coffee shop, the Good
Coffee Café.
Facing the Reeves courtyard, the coffee shop caters for the
morning coffee and hot chocolate needs of the students and staff.
The concept is the brainchild of Head Daygirl Jacqueline Gerrard
who envisaged a morning activity that would bring senior
students together before school in an enjoyable and comfortable
social environment.
It’s a lot of work but it’s been great to see so many people
supporting us – we love it!” said Jacqueline.
A determined Jacqueline, supported by several senior students,
gained approval for the Good Coffee Café and has not looked back.
With the formation of a number of girls across senior year levels,
the ‘coffee club girls’ organise rosters on a daily basis and ensure
that all behind-the-counter participants hold the appropriate
barista competency.
“The success of the coffee shop is important to the students
and a service that has been appreciated by the whole school
community,” said Head of Design, Mr Brandt Ward.
The student-run coffee café committee unanimously voted to donate
the majority of their profits for 2010 towards 4ASDKids, a locally-run
charity which offers support to families with autistic children.
Other donations to 4ASDKids can be made at www.4asdkids.com
New website forges
community links
‘Community’ was the key driver in the design and development of
the School’s new website.
The Junior, Middle and Senior Schools together with each of the
Faculties have specific areas on the site for curriculum, news, profiles,
photographs and features.
In addition, the website offers easy navigation for visitors looking for
news about parent support groups and the School’s partners such as
The Southport School, universities and Yalari.
Feedback about the website, launched on Open Day at the start of August, has been extremely positive.
With greater input from all sectors of the school community, the site will grow in depth as more features
are added such as short film and useful links to other interesting and valuable websites.
Andy brings stories to life
International storyteller Andy Wright
visited the Junior School this term and
left the girls enchanted by his genius.
“Andy is a true storyteller who
captivates his audiences with
amazing stories,” said Drama and
French teacher Miss Annette Cooper.
“He is talented and develops his
characters extremely well, bringing
them to life with voice and sound.”
Andy had no props or costumes and
he didn’t have to move around the
stage to bring the story to life, his
voice did.
‘My favourite character was a dragon in the first story and
I was actually upset when the story ended.”
By Elloise Campbell – 5L
“He changed his voice and he made me laugh. He made
some expressions and he changed his face. He did three
shows; I liked one show and it was Diamond Button.”
Eugene Hwang – 1R
“Andy Wright was excellent. I loved his expression
because he was funny; he was fabulous.”
Lola Deanne Moore – 1R
“Andy Wright is a storyteller. His mummy and grandma and
great grandma were blind. Andy was good at telling us the
story. He comes from Perth. Perth is in Australia. He is very,
very, very good. I love his stories. One story came from Turkey,
one story came from Africa and the other one came from
another place. It was fun.”
Alissa Kouzmenkov – 1R
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History-making effort
in Junior Athletics
St Hilda’s Junior School Athletics team had an unbelievable
season with 17 girls making up the victorious squad who
came first at the Gold Coast North District carnival.
There were 12 schools competing in the A division of the
District Athletics held at Griffith University track on 16 and
17 August, with St Hilda’s having only 17 competitors in the
squad over the two days.
The squad was named the Division A Winning School, a first
for St Hilda’s and a remarkable achievement for a single sex
school competing against co-educational schools.
Sabrene Barbera.
Abby Campbell.
Zara Leinster.
Girls flying high
Worm anatomy
unearthed
Five of the 17 girls qualified to compete at the South Coast
Regional trials: Charli Bawden in Year 7, Ally-Rose Pennisi,
Felicity Grice and Shanice Paraka in Year 6 and Gabriella
Oxley in Year 5.
Charli, Ally-Rose, Felicity and Gabriella all made it through
their heats to the finals in the 100m and 200m events.
Felicity, Ally-Rose and Charli finished in the top three,
qualifying for the State Titles in the 100m event.
Gabriella Oxley, named North District Division A 10 Years
Champion, finished sixth in Long Jump. Shanice Paraka placed
seventh in Shot Put with Charli Bawden second in High Jump.
Felicity Grice, Ally-Rose Pennisi and Charli Bawden will now
compete at the State Titles to be held in Townsville on 16
and 17 October.
The following girls competed in the District Athletics
Danielle Scott
4C
Ally-Rose Pennisi
6C
Isabella Cross-Winston.
Rachel Liang.
A number of Junior School girls have excelled outside the
classroom, demonstrating their passion for a range of activities.
• Sabrene Barbera, Abby Campbell, Zara Leinster, Rachel Liang,
Ella Seeto and Laura Seeto were selected to perform with the
Imperial Russian Ballet Company. The girls performed in The
Nutcracker at the Arts Centre Gold Coast on 30 and 31 August.
• Isabella Cross-Winston tasted success at the Brisbane Royal
Show. Isabella competed in a number of events and achieved
first places in the Novice Pony Hack and Open Pony Hack. She
was named Reserve Champion thus qualifying for the Grand
Nationals in 2011.
It’s never too early to learn about worms!
Worm anatomy and the different compartments of a worm farm
were topics of serious discussion among St Hilda’s Pre-Preparatory
students recently.
“The School hosted a visit by Gold Coast City Council information
officer Toni who gave an informative presentation to the young
girls,” said teacher Ms Tanielle
Bradstreet.
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Kiran Go
Caitlin Duncombe
Isabella Crain
Gabriella Oxley
Claire Buttner
Shani Alder
Lauren Sprague
Barbara King-Christopher
5G
5G
5G
5L
5N
5N
5V
5V
Shanice Paraka
Matilda Robertson
Zahrah Khan
Sarah Hoban
Hope Thompson
Felicity Grice
Charli Bawden
6C
6H
6H
6H
6H
6Y
7T
Ella Seeto.
Laura Seeto.
Toni also explained what foods
the worms like and dislike,
much to the amusement of her
audience.
All the girls rolled up their
sleeves in an effort to get to
know the worms and to get a
close-up look at how they moved
and ate in the worm farm.

Students and
campus shine
on Open Day
Open Day, celebrated on 6 August, was a very
special event. More than 600 guests were
welcomed to the campus and many witnessed the
new $3 million Multi-Purpose Centre being officially
opened in spectacular style.
A massed Junior School choir of 550 girls led by
Ms Fiona Poirrier and accompanied by Mr Richard
Ham sang as one to an appreciative audience of
parents and visitors.
The new Multi-Purpose Centre will provide first-class
sporting facilities for students and be the venue for
assemblies, drama and music presentations.
The sprung floor and the technical, sound and
lighting equipment will contribute positively to
Junior School productions to be held in the future.
Form and specialist teachers contributed significantly
to the success of Open Day and proved to be
masters of the ‘quick change’ assisting students
to move from one venue to another in order to
demonstrate to all their emerging skills in a range of
academic, cultural and artistic areas.
Open Day guests visited classrooms while the Centre
for Scientific Learning and Research showcased Art
and Technology in the Middle and Senior Schools.
Prospective parents were escorted on extensive
campus tours by Head of School Mr Peter Crawley
who was assisted by students from the Middle and
Senior Schools and members of staff.
5

‘Mangoes’ ripen to
Science challenge
As part of 2010 National Science Week, teams of four
students representing varying year levels, competed in
the annual Gold Coast Schools Science Trivia Challenge
held at Griffith University.
The Trivia Challenge consisted of six rounds of eight
questions, with each round focusing on a specific field of
study - Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
One of the Year 7 teams, ‘Mangoes’ won the Primary
School Division of the challenge, scoring 43 points out of
a possible 48.
Team members, Magenta Neath-Cowan, Madeleine
Hall, Bridget Burton and Tegan Lerm found some of the
questions were most challenging and required them to
‘deduce the answer using their formidable knowledge of
Science’ – no guess work was involved!
The Trivia Challenge also involved many interesting
Science demonstrations and ‘snap questions’ resulting in
most girls winning individual prizes.
Each winning team member received an individual plaque
and a $30 National Geographic voucher, with the School
receiving one plaque to keep permanently and one until
next year’s competition.
Students, parents and teachers listen intently to Alison and Michael discuss their life
and work in the visual arts.
Mr Crawley, past student Danielle Whiley Michael Zavros,
Alison Kubler, (front) Phoebe and Olympia.
Visual Arts speakers an inspiration to students
Over the past two months, students, parents and Visual Art staff have celebrated the arts in an array of ways. In July, Alison Kubler and
Michael Zavros were welcomed to the art room as part of a Master Class Immersion Lectures. Each spoke about their life and careers;
Alison as a visual art and fashion writer, curator and manager and Michael as a professional artist. Michael won the prestigious Doug
Moran Portrait Prize for Playing Dead, a work featuring their daughter Phoebe who also visited along with younger sister Olympia.
When you look up Michael’s work, remember that they are not photographs but exquisitely rendered drawings and paintings.
On 21 July the art staff presented a professional development session for other Gold Coast art teachers with artist Glen Skien hosted by
Andi Mutch from School Art Supplies. Glen gave an artist talk and brought along examples of his beautifully detailed works.
August saw a range of student exhibitions and cause for much rejoicing in the work our girls create. Eyetalk, opened by artist-in-residence
from February Sally Harrison, showcased works from every visual art student in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Eyetalk Exhibition – Years 7, 8 and 9 artworks.
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Eyetalk Exhibition – Y7 canvas paintings.
Eyetalk Exhibition – Year 8 portraits.

Girls shine in languages competition
Persephone Mead-Small. Hanna Kang.
More than 50 St Hilda’s
School girls took part
in the 30th Gold Coast
Regional Speech
Competition.
Coordinated by the
Modern Languages
Teachers’ Association
of Queensland (MLTAQ), the event attracted approximately 1000
Gold Coast language students who study Japanese, French,
German, Chinese and languages other than English.
The following St Hilda’s girls were recognised for their outstanding
performances with the presentation of medals. There were a
further 24 students who received Highly Commended certificates
for their efforts at the event.
The regional German speaking competition,
although challenging, was another
opportunity to practise my speaking and
expand my understanding of the language.
The atmosphere was intense and I felt the
pressure to do well. It was quite stressful
and my nerves were kicking in; however,
when I stepped inside the judging room
with a light-hearted atmosphere, I forgot all
about it and shifted my focus to speaking.
All in all, I am glad I took the opportunity to
do something worthwhile.
Elena Liang Y10 German, second place
French is a large part of the curriculum and
it was great to compete with hundreds
from around the Gold Coast. We used what
we had learnt in class to ‘show off’ what
we knew in pre-rehearsed speeches and
then we asked impromptu questions and
proceeded to converse in French with the
judges. It was very challenging – thinking
on the spot in your non-native language,
making sure you said the right things but
also trying to be interesting – but a good
way to practise the language. Emma Cooper
Y10 French, Highly Commended
French
Y6 Yasmin Foster Second
Y7 Persephone (Pepper) Mead-Small First
Y9 Sophia Slancar Second
German
Y10 Elena Liang Second
Japanese
Y7 Haemi Kang Fifth
Charli Bawden
Fourth
Y10 Hanna Kang First
Y12 Hee Ra Kim Third
Amanda Lee
Second
Open Jenny Yang Third
It was great to experience such an exciting
atmosphere on the day of the regional
Japanese speaking competition. As an event
that involved approximately 1000 competitors,
it not only provided me with an opportunity
to display my Japanese speaking skills, but
also made me realise that language is an
essential part of our curriculum. Although
I was quite nervous and felt pressured to do
my best, it was very enjoyable to know
that so many people were enthusiastic
about learning languages.
Hanna Kang Y10 Japanese, First place
Karragroo Seniors and staff, from left: Amelia Brands, Gabrielle Quinn,
Georgia Cooper, Head of House Ms Carly Leeson, Star Gold,
Jacqueline Gerrard and Savannah Fry.
Record support for
Daffodil Day
For the third year, Karragaroo raised money and awareness
for the Cancer Council by supporting Daffodil Day on
Thursday 26 August. The main message of the drive was
that the one in two who are diagnosed with cancer by the
age of 85 is one too many.
With this is mind, St Hilda’s School staff and students
generously donated more than $500 by purchasing
merchandise and fresh daffodils.
Curriculum update
In 2011 St Hilda’s School will implement the first phase of the
Australian curriculum. The roll out will begin with Years 7 and 8
in 2011 followed by Years 9 and 10 in 2012.
In a study produced by the Queensland Studies Authority the
Queensland syllabus was compared to the Australian syllabus
and the study found that there was an 80 per cent correlation
between the two in Mathematics, 79 per cent in English, 65 per
cent in Science and 57 per cent in History.
“This study confirms there will need to be significant changes in
the curriculum in Queensland schools,” said St Hilda’s Director of
Curriculum Mr Tony Daley.
“St Hilda’s School is well-placed to implement the changes that
will be required and staff have responded positively and are
excited about the challenges of new syllabi.
“The School will use the new syllabi as a vehicle to build upon
the academic success of past years.”
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Year 11 girls show
leadership in new roles
Gayle Churchill, Head of Year 11
The Year 11 Leadership in the Junior School program was
initiated by Mr Blake Wheaton with his Character and Leadership
Development class in 2009. So great was the success of the
program, that it has been expanded as an opportunity provided
for all students of Year 11.
In order to be a servant leader, the Year 11 girls have learned to
listen, show empathy, be aware and persuasive, conceptualise a
positive future, show foresight, have a sense of stewardship, and
be willing to contribute to the growth of their (school) community.
Their role as a leader in the Junior School classroom is to provide
support for the teacher. Their actual duties vary depending on
the subject (such as Art, English, Maths or Computers), the age
of the students (Pre-Prep through to Year 6) and the vision their
supervising teacher has for their role.
The Year 11 girls have been enthusiastic about this program.
Relationships have developed between Year 11 students and the
Junior School girls. It is hoped that this experience has prepared
them well for their role as the Seniors of 2011.
Spirit Week
builds bridges
By Bonnie Lin Year 11
As the Year 11 Student Council representatives, Rina Schulte,
Remy Lester and I were assigned the task of organising Spirit
Week. Its purpose was to inject some liveliness and a sense of
community within and between the Middle and Senior schools.
The week started off with a St Hilda’s vs Mr Madge challenge,
where girls took on Maths teacher Mr Mageros at mental
calculations and random trivia, defeating him 8-7.
Another lunchtime event saw Reeves courtyard turned into a
dance studio, with an Old Girl and Zumba instructor coming in to
take a class.
Capping off the week was Twin Day, a free dress day where girls
could come to school dressed as twins (or in some cases, triplets).
Connecting globally
St Hilda’s School is proud to be associated with Griffith
University under the Griffith Connect Program. Through this
partnership, Head of Year 10 and Drama/Visual Art teacher
Ms Leica Burley was awarded one of the four Sir Samuel
Griffith Professional Development Scholarships for 2010.
She travelled to Malaysia to attend the inaugural Global Learn
Asia Pacific Conference, organised by the Association for the
Advancement of Computing in Education, which focused on
the role of technology in education. As the educational world
becomes increasingly global, new ways to explore, learn, and
share knowledge are needed.
“I had the opportunity to see and hear about how different
schools and universities are using technology to enhance
The best dressed competition exhibited the efforts of both Middle
and Senior girls, with twin TSS boys, Siamese twins and twins of
Mr Mageros being just some of the colourful personas on show.
Girls also enjoyed hot chocolate and coffee from the student-run
Cafe at the ‘Spirit Week special’ price of a gold coin donation, with
profits going towards the AEIOU Foundation for autistic children.
Interspersed throughout the week were ‘old school’ games like
handball and poison ball from our days in Junior School, as well
as a ‘Guess the teacher’ competition - where girls tried to match
the teacher to the corresponding eye photo – and music playing
at lunchtimes.
We are grateful for the enthusiastic support and help of teachers,
staff and students in making this week the success that it was!
Ms Leica Burley.
educational outcomes and was particularly interested
in projects that were establishing collaborative learning
environments with students from all around the world,
despite geographical separation,” said Ms Burley.
“I am grateful for the opportunity from Griffith University and
for the encouragement that St Hilda’s School gives to such
learning opportunities.”
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Creative Generation Award recipients Ailie James-McMaster and Katy Miller
and Commendation Award recipient Amelia Bell.
Creative students
honoured for artworks
of excellence
The Creative Generations Awards in Visual Art and Design recognise
and promote excellence in senior visual arts education throughout
Queensland state and non-state schools.
Congratulations to Ailie James-McMaster and Katy Miller whose
works were announced among 34 others from Queensland in the
Creative Generation Excellence Awards. Amelia Bell’s works were
short-listed for the show and she is commended on the wide
range and diversity of media that she chose to work across.
Previously known as the Education Minister’s Awards for
Excellence in Art, this program has been conducted annually
since 1990 and has helped raise community awareness about
the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical
competence, and the high standard of arts education in
Queensland secondary schools.
The exhibition will be held at GoMA in 2011 and their works will
tour the state for 18 months following that exhibition.
The annual Energies Exhibition was held in early August at
the Arts Centre Gold Coast. Energies showcases the works of
excellence from Years 11 and 12 students in the Gold Coast
region stretching from south of Brisbane to Coolangatta and
west to Beaudesert. Four works were selected to represent
St Hilda’s School: Ailie James McMaster’s Universal Veil, Katy
Miller’s Fijian Threads, Amelia Bell’s Threads of Self and
Anastaszia Ward’s video piece: Destroyer.
Spirit abounds when
opportunity knocks
“Men are only as rich as they give. He who gives great service
gets great rewards” - Elbert Hubbard
By teacher and Head of Year 10 Ms Leica Burley
When I found out I had won the Sir Samuel Griffith Professional
Development Scholarship and was heading to Malaysia, I was
excited at the opportunity that was ahead of me. I believe that,
when an opportunity is presented to you, you should give an
opportunity to someone else in return.
This led me to discover the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage
Sanctuary. Kuala Gandah works to rehabilitate sick, injured,
orphaned and abandoned elephants, runs anti-poaching and wild
elephant relocation operations and raises awareness of the plight
of Malaysian elephants.
Senior School students were encouraged to bring in small donations
which could be used to purchase goods for the sanctuary. We
raised over $800 and were able to purchase items including torches
A time to focus on careers
By Mrs Carol Baker
The most common questions Careers staff pose to Year 12
students at this time of year are, “What are your plans for next
year?” and “Do we need to talk about it?”
It is a difficult time for Year 12 students. They are busy with
assignments, Queensland Core Skills Tests and exams while
being expected to make the all important decision about what
they will do with their life beyond school.
Options range from working, tertiary study, travel and working as
GAP students through to exotic options such as being a ski instructor.
and backpacks for the relocation teams, binoculars for the antipoaching
teams and 150 kilograms of elephant food.
In Malaysia, I had the pleasure of delivering the goods and
working at Kuala Gandah as a volunteer. I mixed up baby Tappis’
bottle (a mixture of bread, glucose, brown sugar, milk powder
and warm water) and fed him as he wrapped his trunk around me.
The success of this project was made possible by the generosity
of the Years 10, 11 and 12 students and St Hilda’s School staff.
Very special thanks go to Anthony Cook and his daughters Jessica
and Olivia who gave us a two-for-one deal on OverBoard backpacks.
Special thanks go to the supportive
Middle School Karragarooans who
got on board when they found out
what I was doing. House spirit and
Non Nobis Solum are truly alive at
St Hilda’s School!
For those who just don’t have the time at present to fully
consider their options, here are some suggestions:
Submit your QTAC application by 30 September, putting in
what you might generally like to do
Take some time during the holidays to research courses
online or visit tertiary campuses
In Term 4, make an appointment to discuss how best to
order your preferences
Make any changes to your application - up to three free changes
9

Boarder, Boarder –
How does your garden grow?
St Hilda’s School – Boarders’ Herb and Vegetable Garden
The Idea Stage! (Germination)
At a Boarder Student Council Meeting in Term 1, the
Year 12 representatives lodged a discussion item for
a proposal to have a Boarders’ Herb and Vegetable
Garden. The senior boarders were inspired by the
Year 6 Flower and Fairy Garden. Support was gathered
from fellow boarders, so the idea was put forward
to our Head of School. Mr Crawley encouraged the
boarders in developing a garden within the middle of
the boarding precinct.
The Design Stage!
Ideas were sought from all sectors of our boarding
community. Girls from different year levels submitted
garden design layouts. Practical advice was offered
by our maintenance staff. Rural parents were
consulted for their vegetable growing tips. Mothers
with green thumbs were able to offer ideas for easy
herb harvesting.
The Planting Stage!
One Sunny Saturday afternoon, a group of junior
and senior boarders visited the local garden section
of the Bunnings store. Interesting conversations
and discussions took place as we did mathematical
calculations of garden bed width and plant spacing.
Eventually, we loaded up the mini-bus with our
seedling selection. Back to St Hilda’s, via the obligatory
McFlurry stopover to cap off a nice Saturday outing.
The Harvesting Stage!
Planting out the garden beds was a learning curve on
the Sunday afternoon. It has been such a worthwhile
experience for the younger and older boarders to be
involved in caring for the garden. A watering and
fertilising schedule has been devised. Our catering and
hospitality kitchens have been invited to make use of
the harvest. Our vegetarian boarding students have
particularly enjoyed the lettuce varieties. The garden
is thriving with baby carrots, baby spinach, tomatoes,
lettuce, strawberries, rhubarb, broccoli, oregano, chilli,
mint, chives, basil, parsley and coriander. Leilani
(pictured with the hose), reflects, “it is great to have
a Boarders’ veggie garden because it is really fun to
tend and weed and water and it provides delicious
tasting veggies of course! All of the veggies are
growing really well, particularly the mint – it’s almost
overflowing from the pot that it’s growing in!”
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Council gives Boarders a strong voice
Back row, left to right: Brooke Spain, Paris Wilson, Gah Vin Pyeon, Shawnee Spain, Rebecca Hale and Gabrielle Burey.
Front row left to right: Katy Miller, Anna Winter, Phoebe Mayson and Catherine Stubbs.
By Gah Vin Pyeon,
Year 11 Boarders’ Student Council Representative
McCulloch, Whitby, Darragh 11 and Darragh 12 - these are the
four houses of the St Hilda’s School Boarding community.
Living next door or even in the same room, the 140 boarders
share a sister-like bond as part of the large multi-cultural family
led by Head of Boarding, Mrs Kim Kiepe.
As with most communities, it has a committee which leads the
boarders and regularly meets to help enhance the life of each boarder.
The Boarders’ Student Council is comprised of two nominated
representatives from each year level and the Prefects, including
Head Boarder, Anna Winter.
Held once every term, the Council meets with the Head of Boarding.
Anna Winter chairs the meeting and takes items for discussion
relating to food, to our Head Chef, Mr David Dalby. Being fed is an
enormous part of a boarder’s happiness!
The responsibility of each representative is to ensure that
the opinions of their year level are voiced clearly; and the
responsibility of the Student Council is to discuss these matters
and create viable and innovative solutions.
This term, issues ranged from the Year 8 girls wanting more
heaters in their dormitories, to selecting what to grow in the
newly-made, Boarders’ Vegies and Herb Garden.
Certainly, the ‘pink-coloured’ section of the St Hilda’s community
knows how to maintain a positive and compassionate living
environment.
Year 12 boarder Elizabeth Brosnan enjoys working with Pre-Prep students
as part of her traineeship.
Elizabeth recaps on
Pre-Prep experience
Year 12 boarder Elizabeth Brosnan started her Children’s
Services traineeship at St Hilda’s School Pre-Preparatory
Centre at the end of 2008. She writes of her experiences.
“I was always excited about having the opportunity to work in
the Pre-Prep. I have always known, thanks to my mother and her
desire to become a teacher, that I wanted to work in the earlier
stages of the development of children.
“I had heard all about how hard it is from mum but I thought,
‘Nah, I can handle it. Surely it can’t be that hard!’
“Well, who knew that one job could take up so much energy!
Don’t get me wrong, I love every minute of it: the children’s
smiling faces and the funny things they say make it all worthwhile.
“I never realised how each child learns differently and that each
activity undertaken helps a child better understand the world.
“It’s hard to fathom how much I have learnt over the past two
years. It started out slow, but now I have established a routine
and I know what is expected. I am familiar with the classroom
set-up and where resources are located.
“My traineeship has shown me that the childcare industry is hard
work and that there is literally never a minute wasted. There is
always planning and preparation, but the rewards are great.
“I have learnt how to deal with certain situations and most of all I
have learnt a lot about myself and where I want my life to take me.
“The people I have met and the memories I have made will stick
with me forever and I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I
have been given.”
11

Biggest crowds ever
for monster Fete
It was bigger than ever and the Del Mellefont Oval was just the
spot to host St Hilda’s annual Spring Fete.
With more rides, food stalls and bargains galore, the Fete
attracted families with children of all ages.
Proceeds from this year’s Fete of approximately $45,000 will be
used to make campus improvements for the girls’ benefit.
Major contributors to funds were the RBS Morgans Art Show, the
Cent Auction, the wonderful food stalls operated by the Fathers’
Project Club and the Boarder Parents Support Group and Women’s
Auxiliary Country Teahouse.
Head of School Mr Peter Crawley thanks all families and girls
who contributed to the success of the Fete and especially
Fete conveners Mrs Louise and Mr Ross Wolbers. Other major
contributors to the event’s success were the many staff who
assisted in coordinating stalls and student performances and the
Old Girls’ Association.
12

Girls receive honours
at Eisteddfod
All You
Need
Is Love
The Gold Coast Eisteddfod is in its 29th year and with
more than 60,000 participants making it one of the largest
performing arts events in Australia, there is always a very
high performance standard evident in all sections.
All of the St Hilda’s instrumental and choral musicians
received an award at this year’s event, with the Junior String
Ensemble holding the highest honour by taking first place in
the Primary School B Grade String Ensemble Section.
Second placings were received by the Year 10 String Quartet
and Years 5 to 7 Choir (twice) while Years 2 to 4 Choir and
Senior Choir received third placings.
Big Band, Senior, Middle School and Junior Concert Bands,
Senior Strings and Senza Ragazzi all received Highly or Very
Highly Commended certificates.
“Our musicians are a fine example of what can be achieved
by excellent teamwork and congratulations must also go to
their conductors and accompanists, Miss Sheridan Burley,
Mrs Tania Edmunds, Mr Richard Ham, Miss Janette Kelly, Miss
Fiona Poirrier, Mr Chen Yang and Mr Antony Zambolt.
The Gala Music Concert attracted a supportive audience of
more than 500 parents and friends who applauded the girls
loudly and ‘felt the love’.
Staged at the Arts Centre Gold Coast on Saturday 31 July, all
the music performed related to this year’s theme, All You
Need Is Love.
Performance groups included the Prep and Year 1 Singers,
Years 2 to 4 Choir, Years 5 to 7 Choir, Senior Choir, Senza
Ragazzi, Junior and Senior Strings, String Quartet, Junior,
Middle School and Senior Concert Bands, Big Band and
Rhythm and Blues Band.
TSS Choir members also participated, singing Queen’s classic,
Somebody To Love in combination with the Senior Choir. This
favour was returned, with the girls performing at TSS for their
Gala Concert.
Director of Music Miss Janette Kelly said the music presented
showed great diversity, ranging from Senior Strings’ version of
Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro to the rousing finale of the Whitney
Houston classic The Greatest Love of All, performed by Combined
Years 2 to 12 Choirs and Middle School and Senior Concert Band
and Senior Strings.
“This annual event continues to highlight the students’ musical talents
and ability to work as a cohesive musical team,” said Miss Kelly.
13

Open rowing squad
wins at Head of River
14
Co-Curricular Leaders Left to Right, Back Row: Madison Lahey, Samantha Hebron, Gemma Blums, Ailie James-McMaster, Taryn Williams,
Monique Quirk, Ellie Sutcliffe, Andrea Crothers, Lucy Forrester, Madison Ruygrok, Isabel Manfield.
Middle Row: Shirley Liu, Alicia Terranova, Chanae McKinnon, Rebecca Gilloran, Jessica Hill, Anneleise Woodman, Natalie Au, Caroline Rey,
Sara Mumcu, Julie Yamagata, Christine Mizarollis.
Front Row: Rachel Hoban, Ellie Hays, Carol D’Silva, Bianca Wilson, Amelia Jack, Phoebe Mayson, Courtney Borg, Kirstie Scholefield,
Olivia Bamonte, Bianca Ruyssenaers. Absent: Lucinda Bruton.
Leading the charge
Leading the charge in weekend sport, evening debates and early morning training sessions are St Hilda’s
hard-working co-curricular leaders. The girls are to be congratulated on their efforts throughout the year in
coordinating events and supporting their fellow students in a wide range of activities.
CO-CURRICULAR LEADERS
Artistic Gymnastics Captain
Bianca Ruyssenaers
Athletics Co-Captains Natalie Au and Anneleise Woodman
Badminton Captain
Shirley Liu
Basketball Co-Captains Phoebe Mayson and Amelia Jack
Cross Country Co-Captains Rachel Hoban and Ellie Hays
Debating Captain
Christine Mizarollis
Drama Captain
Sara Mumcu
Equestrian Captain
Gemma Blums
Golf Captain
Taryn Williams
Hockey Co-Captains Samantha Hebron and Ailie James-McMaster
Music Co-Captains Chanae McKinnon and Alicia Terranova
Netball Co-Captains Rebecca Gilloran and Jessica Hill
Rhythmic Gymnastics Captain
Olivia Bamonte
Rowing Co-Captains Isabel Manfield and Madison Ruygrok
Soccer Co-Captains Caroline Rey and Julie Yamagata
Softball Co-Captains Andrea Crothers and Lucy Forrester
Swimming Co-Captains Lucinda Bruton and Madison Lahey
Tennis Co-Captains Monique Quirk and Ellie Sutcliffe
Touch Co-Captains Courtney Borg and Kirstie Scholefield
Volleyball Co-Captains Carol D’Silva and Bianca Wilson
The Open squad and Hildaroo.
The St Hilda’s Open rowing squad realised the rewards of their
hard training during the season with victory in the Open Fours
race at the Head of the River.
The season’s pinnacle event was held at Kawana Waters on
Saturday 28 August. Under the guidance of coach Mr Jeremy King,
the Opens led from start to finish, winning by a convincing margin
of nine seconds, or approximately three lengths.
The squad included Madison Ruygrok, Isabel Manfield, Bobbie Joyce,
Danni’elle Jenkins, Bryanna Lee, Zoe Efron, Laura Knights and
Katherine Whitcroft, who trained extremely hard during the season.
Their program involved three mornings a week for on-water training,
two afternoons a week for cross training and the rowing camp.
The composition of the crew changed several times throughout the
regatta season with the final combination of Isabel Manfield (bow),
Bobbie Joyce (two), Bryanna Lee (three), Madison Ruygrok (stroke)
and Laura Knights (cox) sealing the win.
Other highlights were the performances of the Year 8 fifth quad,
Kate Simpson, Jessica Simpson, Kate Smith, Amelia Smith, Maddison
Smith (cox), who finished second in their A division final and winners
in the B division races, Year 8 sculler Megan Sandeman, the Year 8
third quad of Chelsea Uther, Melissa Harris, Isabella Torv, Allanah
Cope, Sarah Coco (cox) and the Year 8 first quad of Madeleine
Gregory, Gabrielle Burey, Emma Matteson and Megan Sandeman.
St Hilda’s School finished sixth out of 10 in the Aggregate Cup
for 2010, a great effort by all the girls.

FROM THE ARCHIVES
Young women at dawn, shivering in neck-toknee
swimming costumes at Southport Pier’s
saltwater baths. Young women in panama hats,
stiff neck collars, full-length skirts and black
stockings, listening for the afternoon bell.
Young women cocooned in long white night
gowns, their pigtails 100 times brushed, prayers
recited, scrambling into bed before the powerhouse
closes down and all lights go out.
These are the images of a bygone era; of the
days of St Hilda’s pioneering boarders.
St Hilda’s, corner of Bay and Davenport Streets, built 1883.
In 1912, St Hilda’s School located on Bay
Street opened its doors to 23 boarders and 10
daygirls. Three years later, when 56 boarders
and 23 day students struggled to find enough
beds and desks, and the weatherboard school
house was bursting at the seams, the support of
the Southport community came to the fore.
The much anticipated Junior School Tuckshop opened on Wednesday
18 August with students taking great delight in lining up to purchase
their snacks at morning tea and lunch time. It was a wonderful treat for
some girls to see mum or dad behind the counter making
sandwiches, serving students and helping the youngest
members of the school community make their important
decision on how to spend 20 cents!
Junior School Tuckshop convener Mrs Marie Anderthon
worked tirelessly to prepare for opening day and has
proved to be a good manager and a master of the coffee
machine. Dispensing $3 coffees to parents and staff
has been a welcome distraction and Marie’s willingness
to support parent participation in the tuckshop has
generated a wonderful opportunity for parents to
participate in their school.
Miss Loder, long-term resident of
Southport generously built two
rental cottages to accommodate
St Audrey’s and St Bede’s
dormitories.
In 1917, St Hilda’s had outgrown
the Bay Street premises and staff
and boarders took up residence
in the recently constructed
Whitby building fronting
High Street and the first
senior student matriculated for
entrance into university.
Her well-rounded education cost
13 pounds 13 shillings for board, 4 pounds 4
shillings for tuition and 2 pounds 2 shillings for
laundry. Textbooks were supplied by the School
at ‘trade’ prices and music, painting, boating,
dressmaking, elocution typing, etching, pottery,
stained woodwork and dancing cost extra.
By 1919, St Hilda’s School had gained a
reputation for excellence. Miss Bourne
reported that, “progress has been made
in all grades of the school; enthusiasm is
encouraging, the teachers have set the tone of
earnestness in work and the pupils have already
taken it.”
However, boarding school had much more to
offer than dusty chalk boards, raucous bells and
multi-bed dormitories. Daily life was enriched
by social diversions and cultural entertainments
Community unites to deliver second tuckshop
St Hilda’s moved to Whitby building in High Street in 1917.
which were in Miss Bourne’s opinion, “popular
and necessary events.”
Fancy dress evenings, musical concerts and
plays were held regularly. The ring events,
merry-go-rounds and fancy work exhibitions
at the annual Southport Carnival offered rare
treats. The TSS Regatta was surpassed only by
picnics to Southport, Burleigh or Stradbroke
and inter-school sporting trips to Brisbane
meant single lane roads and river ferries.
Entertainments were well appreciated. One
girl wrote in the magazine that Miss Bourne’s
dance was, “one of the most exciting days the
boarders of St Hilda’s have ever known.”
Today, St Hilda’s approaches the 100-year
milestone; boarding life has kept pace with
modern trends, yet the core values of learning
and nurturing remain strong.
The Women’s Auxiliary has been instrumental in assisting with the set-up of
the tuckshop and all should take great pleasure knowing that funds generated
will be fed back into the School to support the learning of all students.
The Junior School Tuckshop:
a community project.
OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION
OGA News
Fete Update
The OGA stall at the Fete was brimming
with homemade cakes, biscuits and jams
as well as beautiful home wares created by
our members. Thank you to everyone who
contributed so generously. We raised more
than $900, the best result in years.
Fete raffle winners: First prize June Wilson,
second Sharon Hain and third Ros Rogers.
OGA Reunion Weekend
Friday 29 October
Principal’s and OGA Cocktail Party
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Centre for Scientific Learning and Research
St Hilda’s School
Saturday 30 October
9.45am Morning Tea, Rosemary Hughes Room
10.30am Tour of School
Sunday 31 October
9.30am Service at St Peter’s Anglican Church
Nerang Street, Southport
10.30am Morning Tea
11am Annual General Meeting
12.30pm OGA Lunch at Boarders’ Dining Room
15

NON NOBIS SOLUM
Not for ourselves alone
St Hilda’s School wins the Andrews Cup Athletics competition.
The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane trading as St Hilda’s School
Registered CRICOS Provider No. 00510M
52 High Street, Southport. PO Box 290 Southport 4215 Queensland Australia
Telephone (+61) 07 5532 4922 Facsimile (+61) 07 5591 5352 Email: principal@sthildas.qld.edu.au
Website: www.sthildas.qld.edu.au