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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2019

It is hard to believe that I am once again writing a report to fill you in on all that has been happening with the Ex-Students’ Union.

I could easily write about the various events that have taken place but they will appear elsewhere in our section of Camphora—I know because some of those articles are next on my to do list! As this is now the second edition of the new-look ESU Magazine, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those involved in its production over the years. Ann McDonald has worked tirelessly as editor for 20 years, as have Lesley Meldrum, Helen Humphreys and Judith Hincksman. I am most grateful for all their continued efforts on our behalf and for their support as we move forward with this new iteration of a much loved publication.

In late 2018, we conducted a survey of our alumni community and I wish to thank those ex-students who took the time to complete the survey. I’m pleased to share a snapshot of the results of this survey on page 49. The ESU Committee recently held a planning day to reflect on the suggestions and comments gathered in the survey. What do we do well and what can we do better? Our discussions led us in all sorts of directions and many ideas were shared, so watch this space for new events and programs for our diverse community of ex-students.

Communication, we felt, has improved since the appointment of Philippa Zingales, Director of Alumni Relations

extraordinaire! Not only is there now someone at the College five days a week to answer queries and support us in innumerable ways but the Official PLC Sydney Alumni and ESU Facebook Group is proving to be a most successful way of staying in touch. The regular Trivia Tuesday questions are eagerly answered, we got into a Dorcas knitting frenzy, regularly enjoy trips down memory lane through archival photos that are posted and it’s a lovely way to connect with friends from other year groups as well as our own.

There are now almost 1000 members in the official PLC Sydney Alumni and ESU Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/groups/PLCSydneyAlumni). Do please join us there, if you haven’t already done so.

Mrs Marina Clark (Lvoff, 1978) ESU President

EX-STUDENTS’ NEWS

Patron: Gwendoline Bosler (Stuart, 1949)

President: Marina Clark (Lvoff, 1978)

Vice President: Catherine Marvell (Davidson, 1975)

Secretary: Elizabeth Gregory (Cornish, 1961)

Treasurer: Rae Gower (Hoore, 1949)

NCW Representatives: Helen Humphreys (Neal, 1968) and Mia Joseph (Ilias, 2009)

Committee Members: Megan Carrillo (Hor, 1998)

Edwina Hobson (2015)

Sara Keli (Thorp, 2001)

Lesley Meldrum (Morgan, 1955)

Robyn McBride (Hailey, 1976)

Ann McDonald (1965)

Johanne Stapelfeldt (1978)

Director of Alumni Relations and Committee Member: Philippa Zingales (Harris, 1998)

ESU COMMITTEE AND OFFICE BEARERS 2019

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ISSUE 9 / WINTER 2019

ENGAGEMENTSHelena Czajka (2007) and Tom McKeith (son of former Principal Dr William McKeith) are pleased to announce their engagement. Helena and Tom met 6 years ago through a friend. They realised their mutual connection to PLC only after a few dates. Residing in Sydney, Helena is a film composer and music supervisor, and Tom is a lawyer at Legal Aid NSW while also working as a screenwriter and director.

ESU ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDDINGSAnwyn Watkins (2002) and Sam Lyndon married on Saturday 30 March in Anwyn's Grandmother's backyard in Wooli in Northern NSW. The ceremony was done in three stages due to a torrential downpour just after the vows but it didn't dampen anyone's day. The newlyweds celebrated into the night with a golden, pink sunset once the storm had finally passed.

Anwyn Watkins (2002) and Sam Lyndon.

BIRTHS12.02.2019

Indra Rauckman (Strikis, 2001) and Brady Rauckman welcomed Zachary Cooper Bennett Rauckman, a little brother for Michaela and Lukas.

06.04.2019

Victoria Rozenhnal (Whitehead, 2005) and Thomas Rozenhnal welcomed Alexandra Victoria Rozenhnal, a sister for Mackenzie Hailey Rozehnal. Alexandra was born on her grandmother’s, Robyn McBride (Hailey, 1976) birthday and what would have also been Alexandra’s maternal great-great-grandmother’s 118th birthday.

28.04.2019

Clare Stokes (Marvell, 2004) and Michael Stokes welcomed Oscar Michael Stokes.

Helena Czajka and Tom McKeith.

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PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA

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ACHIEVEMENTS

Madeleine O'Dea (2014)

Cate Caldis (2018)

It brings great pleasure to hear about the future endeavours of our students after leaving The Croydon as we hope to inspire our current young designers to explore their creativity outside the classroom. We celebrated Cate Caldis, class of 2018 Textiles and Design, when her Major Textiles Project was selected for display at the Shape exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum and the Texstyle Exhibition at The Muse Gallery.

Cate was also impressively awarded the 2018 Fashion Design Studio TAFE NSW Award for excellence in Textiles and Design. As the only recipient of this award, she received a place in the Fashion Design Studio portfolio presentation course and tickets to The Fashion Design Studio Innovators Show at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.

Cate has been studying the ‘Made In Italy Luxury’ Course in Florence this year with her former classmates Layla Lake, Donna Tsang and Mia Mariner. Upon arrival at the Made in Italy Tuscany Academy (MITA) classes were in Italian only. PLC Sydney has a unique partnership with MITA. Designers and Fashion Engineers to Gucci and other highly successful leather good manufacturers teach technical skills and provide industry experiences.

The areas of study have included product manufacture of textiles and leather goods, leather materials, fashion accessories, textile materials and the history of fashion. Students learn about artisan sewing techniques as well as large scale designer production. This exciting experience has enabled Cate to visit trade fairs in Milan, tanneries, and fabric weavers who supply designer brands such as Gucci, Prada & Balenciaga. Cate has undertaken two internship placements. The first one a small Atelier in Florence, gaining personal experiences only available from a small scale manufacturer. Her second placement was at Ferragamo.

Cate has embraced the experience with an open mind, relishing all the opportunities that have been offered.

The MITA course finished in May, however, Cate has stayed on in Italy until August when she will return and contemplate her no doubt very bright and exciting future in design.

Ms Jo HerrmannHead of Technological and Applied Studies

Kate Halpin (2003) won Best Direction in a Music Video at the Australian Directors' Guild Awards for ‘Sympathy’ (Artist: Iluka). The video also won Best Australian Music Video at the 2018 Clipped Music Video Festival. Visit www.katehalpinfilm.com to see Kate’s work.

Jessica Lim (2010) graduated from The University of Cambridge (UK) with a Doctor of Philosophy. Jessica completed her studies in English children’s literature.

Madeleine O'Dea (2014) was accepted into The Opera School at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, following completion of her Bachelor of Music, Classical Voice.

Hannah Green (2015) had a design (jacket) appear in the March edition of Vogue Australia. She has also been invited to showcase her work at New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020, showing 7 September 2019. A Go Fund Me page has been established to support Hannah (www.gofundme.com/z4gnc-new-york-fashion-week). Hannah was also creator of the winning shirt design for Witchery’s 2018 White Shirt Campaign.

Lily Harris (2018) is training with the NSW Institute of Sport for water polo and recently trialled for the Junior World Championships and World University Games.

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JUDITH SWAIN (HODSDON, 1949) 1 March 1933 – 21 February 2019

“Reaching school I am welcomed by all the familiar sounds: the shrill cries of the juniors in the grounds, the shouts of boarders from upper windows, the crunching of feet over gravel, the scraping of desks along the floors, and the clash and discord of a dozen pianos.”

— Noise by Judith Hodsdon, aged 16 in Aurora Australis, 1949

‘Hoddy’, as she was fondly nicknamed by her friends, was a day student at PLC Croydon from 1945 to 1949, where she excelled academically and participated keenly in the life of the school. Judith’s mother Lila Hodsdon (nee Mann) was

Judith: Prefect (1949).

IN MEMORIUM

Judith: School Play.

an alumnus of PLC Melbourne and her father Arthur Hodsdon MBE devoted his life to amateur athletics. He was instrumental in the formation of the Amateur Athletics Union of Australia and spent 27 years as its Secretary/Treasurer. Her younger brothers, Bruce and Barrett Hodsdon, attended Knox Grammar and both are now highly respected scholars and commentators on film and cinema.

From her early schooling years, Judith loved literature, writing and history.

She regularly wrote articles for the Aurora Australis annual year book, and in her final year was the head student Librarian. She achieved First in Form in 1947 and was awarded the Dux of the School in 1949. She was also school prefect in her last year.

Half a dozen classmates remembered ‘Hoddy’ at their recent 70th school reunion. Rosemary (Corney) Rutherford attended Epping Primary School with Judith until fourth class, when Judith then moved to the Opportunity School. They were reunited in the first year of high school at PLC Croydon: “She was always very clever, but rather shy.” Rosemary and Heather (Walker) Ryan, travelled on the same trains as Judith, with her close friends Rosemary (Rosen) Neville and Diana (Murray) Derrick. They remember the bemusement of schoolboys from St Patrick’s College when these very bright PLC girls were immersed in highly intellectual conversations on the train. Classmate Fay Laginestra commented,

“Hoddy was a born historian, and her legacy in that regard will live on.”

On graduating from PLC, Judith successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, with a major in History and Honours in English. Judith stayed on at the university as a research assistant to English Professors Alex Mitchell and Wesley Milgate until the end of 1956, and then became a library assistant at the NSW State and Mitchell Libraries.

Judith married northern NSW farmer Graham Swain in 1958, living on the family farm east of Gunnedah. In 1964, she moved with her husband and two young sons to a conditional purchase farm block in the Shire of Jerramungup in WA—then classed as a remote area. Despite the demands of clearing some 3000 acres and with toddlers underfoot, Judith continued to develop English Literature curriculum and mark papers for the University of Sydney.

Her gruelling frontier experiences embedded a love of local history. The family farming enterprise shifted to the Shire of Plantagenet, near Albany WA, in the late 1980s. From 1998, when she moved into Albany, Judith became heavily involved with the Albany Historical Society (AHS) as Keeper of the Records and Editor of its publications. She was President of the AHS from 2011 to 2016. She revised the book

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Later in life, visiting the iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice. Judith was keen on Italian film and loved Federico Fellini’s 1960 La Dolce Vita – which features Harry’s Bar. It was a lifelong ambition to visit there, which she did in 2009 with her son Philip and his wife Jennifer.

Mary Minchin (Brazier, 1961) 14 March 1944 – 24 December 2018

Mary Elizabeth Minchin (Brazier) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on 24 December, 2018 aged 74 years. Mary, who came from Eucareena, spent six years from 1956 to 1961 as a boarder at PLC. After leaving school Mary attended Armidale Teachers’ College, then took up a teaching position in Walgett. In 1968 she travelled through America to England where she taught and travelled throughout Europe. After three years Mary travelled home via Africa.

The next two years Mary spent in Darwin where she met her husband Richard Minchin. They moved to Adelaide in 1973. Mary taught for many years and in 1992 joined the SA Education Department as the Policy Officer for the Gifted and Talented Unit.

In Adelaide Mary became the convenor of the SA PLC ex-students’ group and was instrumental in organising many activities throughout each year. Many will remember her report on activities in the ex-students’ magazine.

Recently Richard and Mary retired to Willunga living right on the edge of their local golf course of which she was a very active member. Mary soon involved herself in the local community as the President of the lady golfers, Meals On Wheels and championing local Willunga matters with the Onkaparinga Council.

Mary is remembered by many for her light hearted cheekiness, dogged determination, professionalism and loyalty to friends, family and school. Mary is sadly missed by her family and many friends. May she rest in peace.

Thank you to Jill Gallagher (Clark, 1961) for contributing this article in honour of her friend.

Mary Minchin.

IN MEMORIUM

DEATHS

Albany’s Nineteenth Century Buildings in 2000, and penned numerous articles for local and regional news. Judith was well known in WA’s history circles for her wealth of knowledge and research on Albany.

She was awarded a lifetime membership to the AHS for her prolific voluntary efforts to preserve and throw new light on Albany’s past.

Judith had four children who have all successfully made their way in diverse sectors. Michael in construction and air-conditioning (Perth and regional areas), Philip in environmental health (Perth and remote communities), Catherine in international development and foreign policy (Canberra and overseas), and Elizabeth in locally grown and packaged produce (Albany and the Great Southern). Judith was the beloved grandmother of nine grandchildren currently aged between 11 and 35.

Thank you to Judith’s daughter, Dr Catherine Hesse-Swain for contri buting this article in honour of her mother.

11.10.2018

Allison MacCulloch (1945)

24.12.2018

Mary Minchin (Brazier, 1961)

12.01.2019

Dr Marie Knispel (1944)

22.01.2019

Betty Ives (Henderson, 1934), aged 101 years. At the time of her passing, Betty was the College’s oldest known living ex-student.

21.02.2019

Judith Swain (Hodsdon, 1949)

February 2019

Annette Marshall (Muras, 1955)

24.03.2019

Patricia Paterson (Hill, 1945)

27.03.2019

Moya Devine (Beck, 1947), aged 88 years. Moya was a boarder from 1946 to 1947.

23.04.2019

Elaine Berenice Watson (Williamson, 1951)

April 2019

Rosalie Bissett (Cunliffe Jones, 1954)

5.06.19

Santina 'Tina' Macaluso (Bonanno, 1990)

16.6.19

Janet Campbell (Hotson, 1954)

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ALUMNI EVENTS IN 2019

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF JERSEY DAYOn Saturday 9 March the College and the Ex-Students' Union (ESU) welcomed over 200 ex-students, past staff and guests back to school to celebrate Jersey Day, our annual day for alumni to return to the College and reunite.

This event has been held each year for 125 years and is named in honour of the Countess of Jersey who spoke at the opening of the College's new buildings in 1891.

This year ex-students joined us for lunch, an archival display, tours, and a service in College Hall. We all enjoyed performances by the Stage and Concert Bands, and the Pipes & Drums Band. Thank you to those students and families who attended.

To mark the 125th Jersey Day anniversary, the cast of Woven performed the Countess of Jersey's iconic speech and the ESU presented a plaque to the College naming the rose garden the Countess of Jersey Rose Garden.

Thank you to Dr Burgis, the ESU, staff and students for ensuring Jersey Day 2019 was such a tremendous success.

Save the date for Jersey Day 2020 to be held on Saturday 14 March.

Cast of the PLC Sydney Drama Company's WOVEN.

Margaret Bain (1969), Jenny Drews (1969), Margaret DeGiorgio (1969).

Philippa Zingales (Harris, 1998), Robyn McBride (Hailey, 1976), Sara Keli (Thorp, 2001).

Former teacher Annette Dwight, Jenna Turner (2019), Heather Glossop (1949), Anneka Graham (2019).

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Class of 1979 (L to R): Christine Baker (Irving), Catherine Cheung, Elizabeth Tugwell (Harley), Alison Gordon, Anne Gundy, with Supaporn McKellar (Srethbhakdi) via phone from Bangkok, Thailand.

Class of 1987 (L to R): Sarah Sloss (Wickham), Jeni Bone (Payne) with her mother Joy Payne, Catriona Wood (Dawson), and Penny Spring.

Class of 1999 (L to R): Alicia Landom (Carson), Emily Ford (Squires), Jennifer Lim, Marika Calabro (Pavlis), Jennifer Liu.

Class of 1979 (L to R): Julie Veron (Buxton), Jenny Taylor (Richmond), Lisa Christogeorge (Spedding), Jackie Brun (Dillon).

Class of 1977 (L to R): Jo McKinnery, Vicki Trillini (Hallinan), Megan Nelson, Prue Webber, Vicki Kuhl (Bosler).

L to R: Barbara Sharp (Kulakowski, 1979), Moira Grant (Munro, 1979), Mrs Pamela Nutt.

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SAVE THE DATE

INTERSTATE CONTACTS

ADELAIDE Patricia Becket (Lamrock, 1961) [email protected]

BRISBANE Petrina Hawkins (Campbell, 1970) [email protected]

CANBERRA Suzanne Clubb (1957) (02) 6238 1531 / [email protected]

GOLD COAST Jeni Bone (Payne, 1987) (07) 5526 0092 / 0412 230 002 / [email protected]

MELBOURNE Leonie Gillett (Cresswell, 1961) (03) 9848 5058 / [email protected]

NEW ENGLAND/NORTHERN DISTRICT Helen Loveday (Kinross, 1949) (02) 6721 0583

SUNSHINE COASTJane O’Hare (Provan, 1970) 0448 003 895 / [email protected]

WESTERN AUSTRALIA *Kay Ralph (Teasdell, 1970) 0438 932 690 / [email protected]

RIVERINACatherine Cruickshank (Bassingthwaite, 1986) (02) 6927 6353

*A special thank you to Julia Hewson who has overseen the WA Reunion for several years and has recently handed over the responsibility to Kay Ralph.

If you would like to volunteer to coordinate a reunion or be the key contact for alumni in your area, please contact the Alumni Office.

THE CROYDON CIRCLE LUNCHEON – TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019The Croydon Circle is a special group for ex-students who are aged in their mid-seventies, eighties, nineties and beyond. The annual luncheon serves to recognise these ex-students who have the longest connection to our College's traditions and history.

Ex-students who are 75 years of age and above are warmly invited to join us for lunch on Tuesday 22 October 2019 from 12.00 noon in College Hall.

Invitations and details are to be advised via email and mail closer to the event, however please contact [email protected] or call 02 9704 5635 to register your interest in attending or for further information.

STAY IN TOUCH – UPDATE YOUR DETAILS TODAYStay connected in the following ways:

Visit: plc.nsw.edu.au/alumni/stay-in-touch

facebook.com/groups/PLCSydneyAlumni

@plcsydneyalumni

linkedin.com/school/plc-sydney

Did you know that our alumni are a powerful network of 10,000 women around the world?

ARCHIBALD EXHIBITION MORNING TOUR Thursday 29 August 2019

ESU GENERATIONS BREAKFAST Wednesday 28 August 2019

THE CROYDON CIRCLE LUNCH Tuesday 22 October 2019

JERSEY DAY 2020 Saturday 14 March 2020

CARD & GAMES DAY 2020 Monday 23 March 2020

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REUNIONS COMING SOON

REUNIONS in 2020The following years are invited to celebrate their reunions on Jersey Day, 14 March 2020.

Class of 2015 – 5 Year Reunion








To volunteer to be the Alumni Ambassador for your class and for more information contact the Alumni Office.

SUNSHINE COAST ANNUAL LUNCHReunite with ex-students in the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas over lunch for our annual catch-up later this year (date to be confirmed).

Please contact Jane O’Hare (Provan, 1970) for further information via [email protected] or call 0448 003 895.

55th REUNION, CLASS OF 1964 The Class of 1964 will celebrate 55 years since graduation on Saturday 2 November 2019 at The Grace Hotel, 77 York St, Sydney from 6.00 pm to 11.00pm.

Please contact Margaret ‘Meg’ Berg (1964) to RSVP via [email protected] or call 0402 309 272.

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ALUMNI REUNITE ON JERSEY DAY

JERSEY DAYOn Jersey Day, Saturday 9 March, we welcomed back those alumni classes celebrating a decade reunion in 2019.

Attendance numbers were very high this year and it was fantastic to have such a celebratory atmosphere on the grounds, as each class enjoyed a private reunion in venues across the College.

Ten ex-students from the Class of 1949 celebrated 70 years since they graduated with a private our of the archives in Marden. This amazing group of women still meet almost monthly for lunch and are all approaching their 90s.

The Class of 1959 marked their 60th Reunion over a long lunch in the Macindoe Cafe and while their year group was only about 20 girls in total, we welcomed 11 back to the College on Jersey Day.

In the afternoon the classes of 1969 (50th reunion), 1979 (40th reunion), 1989 (30th reunion), 1999 (20th reunion), and 2009 (10th reunion) enjoyed reuniting with each other and some of their past teachers.

Ex-students had travelled from the country, interstate, and even overseas (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and the UK) to attend these reunions and catch-up with dear friends.

Class of 1949, 70th Reunion with College Council Chairwoman Mrs Leah Russell.

Class of 1959, 60th Reunion.


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Class of 2009 Boarders. Class of 1999, 20th Reunion.


Class of 1989, 30th Reunion. Class of 1999, 20th Reunion.

Class of 1979 40th Reunion.Class of 1979, 40th Reunion.

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ART IN THE GARDENSIn April the ESU held its first ‘Art in the Gardens’ event. Blessed with a glorious sunny day, the gardens looked their absolute best.

Guests chose to sketch Shubra Hall and settled onto the Sunken Lawn. Art teacher, Mr Brian Richardson, explained how to go about framing a subject in the (artistic) mind’s eye. He gave a quick demonstration, gave out boards, paper, pencils and absolutely essential rubbers. In no time at all the artists were engrossed in their drawings.

Following morning tea in Marden, Mr Richardson explained techniques in the use of charcoal and all returned to their artistic endeavours. Some went on to use pastels and watercolors.

It was unanimously agreed that this is an event worth repeating and a future event will be announced later this year.

Thank you so very much to Dr Burgis for allowing us to hold this event in the beautiful grounds of PLC Sydney during the term holidays.

MORNING TEA WITH THE CLASS OF 2021To celebrate the start of their senior years, the ESU invited Year 10 students to morning tea on Friday 14 June on the Sunken Lawn.

Year 10 marks the start of the countdown to "life beyond the black watch tartan" and the ESU is excited to get to know the students during this busy and memorable time in their lives.

Here's to the future Class of 2021!

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ARCHIBALD EXHIBITION EVENING TOUROne of the ESU's most popular alumni events is a guided tour of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibition each year. For the first time since the ESU has held this event, this year the ESU hosted an evening tour during the first week of the exhibition and it was a great success. Ex-students, friends and family, current and past staff including Miss Audrey Keown OAM, enjoyed a guided tour of the 2019 Exhibition at Art Gallery of New South Wales on Wednesday 15 May.

Led by a private guide, the group learned details about each artist's creative process, why they chose their subject and additional background about the response to the portrait or painting from the judges, the artist, and sitter themselves. After enjoying the exhibition, the group came together

for discussion and refreshments in the Chiswick Cafe until the Gallery closed.

The ESU's Morning Tour of the Archibald Exhibition is on Thursday 29 August at 8.45am for a 9.00 am tour, followed by morning tea.

All members of the College Community are invited to attend however tickets are limited. Please contact [email protected] or 02 9704 5635 for event information and to book.

CARD AND GAMES DAYOn Monday 18 March the ESU held its popular annual card and games day at Pymble Golf Club. Numbers remained steady with 58 guests this year. It is always a most enjoyable day and a lovely opportunity to catch up with the ‘regulars’.

Alumni and friends enjoyed morning tea and were then ready for a competitive day of Bridge and there was one table of keen Scrabble players. This is always a very social event, ex-students enjoyed a high-tea lunch before the afternoon games began.

Thank you very much to Margaret Middleton for making this day possible due to her connection to the club and to all of the ex-students and friends, who continue to support this event. Next year Card Day is scheduled for Monday 23 March.

Archibald Exhibition Evening Tour.

Always a great day out at Pymble Golf Club, alumni and friends catch up at the annual card and games day.

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REUNIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY

MELBOURNE On Saturday March 16, 8 ex-students, from 1949-1973 met at the home of Sue Pollock (Fletcher, 1962) in Hawthorn East. The Melbourne group was formed by Miss Mary Hamilton before World War II and continues today. In previous years we would gather at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens where we would be served scones, jam and cream carried to us from the kiosk to the Rotunda where we sat be-hatted and be-gloved in our formal glory. Over the years this venue was changed to members’ homes. The Angliss sisters were our hostesses for many years as were other willing hostesses. Of latter years we have mostly met at the homes of Sue Pollock or Alex Stewart (Thomas, 1964). Though small, our group has formed a close friendship and through each other we have exchanged news of

ex-students from our years at PLC with whom we are still in contact. We will meet next year and all

Melbourne based ex-students are very welcome to attend.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA A group of 11 ex-students got together over a delicious lunch in the home garden of our host, Sylvia Mills (1964), on Saturday 6 April. The weather was perfect, it was a most enjoyable time together catching up on the news of the last year. Present were Diane O’Flaherty (1962), Kay Ralph (Teasdell, 1970), Heather Wilson (Ainsworth, 1951), Pene Wood (Longshaw, 1964), Kristy Douglass (1996) with her son Owen aged 3— very cute!, Barbara Barton (McMurchie, 1968), Mary Hookey (Holder, 1974), Sylvia Mills (1968), Alison Bird (Turner, 1957) and Julia Hewson (Webster, 1968). It was wonderful to welcome Katrina Downes (Campbell, 1987) for the first time.

We acknowledged, the recent sad passing of our friend and fellow WA member Judith Swain (Hodsdon). Our annual book donation to the school library this year will be in her memory.

Melbourne.

Western Australia.

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BRISBANEWe had a rocky start to our reunion with our original venue going into liquidation and our next venue washed out on the day (a change for sunny Queensland), so we moved next door to The Summit Restaurant where we had a lovely meal and great views whilst staying dry. We had 7 attendees, Pam Ramsey who has been coming for longer than us all, Jean Edmonds who has moved from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, Rosie Morris from the Sunshine Coast, Heather Lemaire-Beards from northern NSW and Margaret Johnson, Jenille Ball and Trina Hawkins Brisbane locals.

CLASS OF 1968 The class of 1968 held a reunion at the Kirribilli Club on 29 October 2018. We had a wonderful day with 49 ex-students attending. There was lots of hilarity, sharing of old school photos, and general catching up as some people hadn't seen each other since leaving school.

They came from almost every state in Australia and even from Boston. It was a really fabulous day.

Branxton Class, L to R (Back): Gail Grunberg, Michele Vuaran (Whitaker), Cheryl King (Anderson), Kerryn Parry- Jones, Jenny Ferguson (Street), Helen Humphreys (Neal). L to R (Front): Peggy Channon (Lawrenson), Elaine Allen-Narker (Hor), Helen Morrissey (Johnson), Margaret Carveth (Charamis).

The Boarders, L to R (Back): Julia Hewson (Webster), Margaret Royale (McGufficke), Judy Bailey (Cameron), Wendy Bishop (Loveridge), Moya (Min) Smith. L to R (Front): Diane Quinlin, Jacqui Baker (Dye), Chris Messenger (Carter), Helen Schutz (Simpson).

L to R: Trina Hawkins (1970), Heather Lemaire-Beard (Lemaire, 1976), Rosie Morris (1976), Jean Edmonds (Horsburgh, 1967), Pam Ramsey (Lance, 1950), Margaret Johnson (1958) and Jenille Ball (Campbell, 1968).

50 years on.

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In March of this year those of us who are members of the leaving year of 1961 held a wonderful ‘75th Birthday Bash’ in Canberra.

Not all of us turn 75 this year but we all do within a two year period so it was an excellent excuse to get together. Marg Dent (Goodacre), Jill Gallagher (Clark), Jenny Ransley (Imrie) and Jane Smyth (Daly) organised a wonderful event for our celebration. We came from all over—Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

The main event was a lunch on the Saturday (a separate lunch and tour were organised by one of the husbands for those husbands who attended) and then a walk and breakfast on Sunday morning for all. Many people were staying at the Kurrajong Hotel so informal gatherings were held there on Friday and Saturday nights, which greatly increased the opportunities for catching up.

The joy of Canberra is that there are also many galleries and exhibitions to visit and they kept us all very busy as well. It was a marvellous weekend.

CLASS OF 1961 – 75TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… I went straight from PLC Sydney into an undergraduate medical degree at Western Sydney University (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery). I was 17 turning 18 and did not have an idea of what to expect for the next five years. Things were not always smooth sailing and university was definitely a challenge and a long-term commitment.

I worked part-time jobs as a coxswain, retail worker and babysitter throughout my degree. I deferred my fourth year of university to travel and know myself better—it is often difficult to go straight from high school into more study. I travelled throughout South America for six months and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I then resumed my studies, refreshed, and finished my degree in December 2018 with first class honours.

I am currently taking more time off in South America and will start my job as an intern in January 2020. I did not take the traditional medical student route, but I am glad I have done things differently, as there is no real rush and travelling is a different kind of learning.

WHAT ROLE HAS YOUR TIME AT PLC SYDNEY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION AT PLC SYDNEY SHAPED THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?PLC Sydney played an important part in my life. I discovered my love of artistic gymnastics at school and I am forever grateful for that opportunity. I also nourished my love of art through the fabulous facility at The Croydon. I continue to do art today and still have fond memories of my art teacher, Mr Fyfe. PLC also gave me chances to do travel with service learning trips to East Timor, Vietnam and exchange to Hong

Kong. I think PLC allows you to discover your passions and helps you to develop them. Another huge part of my life are my friends that I still am so close with, all from PLC.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OUR STUDENTS TODAY ABOUT THEIR JOURNEY BEYOND PLC SYDNEY?

If I could give any advice it would be to listen to what your heart wants, trust in yourself and your decisions. Things may not often seem clear when you leave from high school to the ‘adult world’, but life reveals your path to you over time. There is no problem with taking a different road to your peers. Seeing the world and what is outside of PLC is an invaluable type of learning that can put your life and future into perspective.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM SCHOOL ARE…House gymnastics, art with Mr Fyfe at The Croydon and all of the travelling I was able to do with PLC. East Timor and Hong Kong exchange were two of my favourite trips I was able to take. Another favourite memory was when PLC won IGSSA artistic gymnastics in my final year of school and I had the privilege of being the artistic gymnastics captain.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Doctor

CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: Santiago, Chile

ISABELLA TOWNSHEND (2012)

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SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… I went on to UTS where I studied Communications which I really loved. However, I had always wanted to study film and go to college in the US. In my final year, I went on exchange to San Diego State University where I studied Television, Film and New Media.

After returning home from the US and spending some time in Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to move there. I started working at Sky News after Uni as Office Assistant and then Sales Coordinator. After a year, I was lucky enough to get a one-year work and travel visa to the US and so I packed my bags and moved to LA.

On moving to LA, I started working at a documentary and independent film distribution company called 7th Art Releasing as the Director of PR and Social Media. I then moved on to work in Sales and Marketing at an aviation-themed film studio where we provided sets for shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Bridesmaids. About two years ago, I started working at The Lot Studios. The Lot was built in 1918 and is a full-service studio for TV, film and commercial production. I primarily handle the leasing of our office spaces to writer’s rooms and productions as well as handle the day-to-day operations of the Studio.

In my spare time, I like to write and one of my goals is to write for TV (along with the other 80% of people who live in LA). I also run a fashion and lifestyle blog called ‘The Sweater Dork’ and I am about to launch a new website called ‘The Aussie’s Guide to LA’ which aims to be a one-stop shop for Australians looking to visit, move or live in LA and/or the US.

WHAT ROLE HAS YOUR TIME AT PLC SYDNEY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION AT PLC SYDNEY SHAPED THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?At PLC, I played the flute in the early years and I played a lot of sports. But I was by no way the kind of person who was involved in every extracurricular activity. However, I definitely made the most of some of the opportunities that were put in front of me. I was lucky enough to go to East Timor in Year 10 and help build preschools and then later that year I went on exchange to Japan. Those experiences changed my life and play a big part in the person I am today.

For example, in East Timor we filmed a lot of the local kids and the East Timorese people. It was there that I realised my passion for documentary film and photography. It was actually in a moment in East Timor that I decided that all I wanted to do with my life was tell stories for a living and work in film/television. We experienced a completely different way of life and a group of people who were passionate and positive despite having their lives torn apart by war and poverty. I knew those were the stories that I wanted to share with the world.

Living in Japan for three months was an incredible experience. It wasn’t all easy but it definitely changed my life for the better. I think that Japan made me stronger as a person because I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, but those are the experiences that make you a better person and I am thankful to PLC for that experience for sure.

I also believe in choosing the classes that you love but that push you. At first, 3-unit Japanese was one of the hardest and scariest classes I had ever taken because I hated impromptu speaking. I remember one day having an anxiety attack in class at the prospect of not only doing an impromptu speech, but doing it all in Japanese. It was only in front of four people but they were my peers who I respected and I could not move or speak. But that fear is what pushed me to work harder than I had ever worked. And, in the end, I aced that class. It definitely taught me that hard work pays off and that being uncomfortable isn’t always a bad thing. 3-Unit Japanese ended up being my favourite class!

I am very thankful to PLC for shaping me into the person I am today. I didn’t realise that was what was happening at the time, and there were some tough

and stressful times but I am so grateful for everything I learnt there.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OUR STUDENTS TODAY ABOUT THEIR JOURNEY BEYOND PLC SYDNEY?In high school, I was very obsessed with getting the perfect UAI (now the ATAR). I thought there was only one way to get into the film/television industry and that was to get that perfect UAI and attend the film program at UTS (which I believe was 98.9). What I realised later was, there are many avenues to get to where you want and it is not necessarily a straight path. As long as you are determined and believe in yourself, you can make it happen. That does not mean you shouldn’t work hard at school because that goes a long way and I always believe learning is key to getting where you want to be. However, if I had it to do over, I would take a deep breath and try not to stress. In the end you will get where you want to be with hard work and passion, it just may be a different path than you expect. But it may be an even better path!

Another piece of advice which sounds super cliché is to ‘just be yourself’. I was always insecure about ‘fitting in’ and now I realise the most interesting people are the ones who don’t fit in. I am not ever going to be someone who fits into a mould and sometimes I can be a little quirky and awkward but that’s me and I can’t be anyone but me. So, embrace your inner dorkiness and be yourself! I promise that ‘being cool’ means absolutely nothing after high school. The coolest people in my eyes are the ones who dare to be different and I really believe that they will be the ones to change the world.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM SCHOOL ARE...Probably House Choir Nights. I still sing loudly in the car to some of those songs!

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Studio Services Manager at The Lot Studios

CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: Los Angeles, California.

RACHEL OWEN (2004)

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SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… I left PLC not knowing what I wanted to do. I joined the public sector and was quickly promoted before my 19th birthday, and then again before my 20th birthday. Those two years, were wonderful, as they helped me identify that I wanted to work with people—although the roles I have held since were not available then.

I went to university and did a BA, and then after a year back at work, I undertook a Graduate Diploma in Secretarial Studies. I completed my Masters many years later, however have other qualifications from TAFE and other organisations including an Australian Institute of Company Directors qualification. My learning has been ongoing and I love to find out new things, even if they do not relate to my work.

Most of my career has been in human resources, change management and business transformation from a people perspective. I have worked in the public sector, private enterprise and as a consultant and contractor. I have the pleasure of training people from all walks of life and being able to share my knowledge as a public speaker and as a teacher for various universities. Of course all of this has been around people, management and leadership. I also coach and mentor people to assist them to be the best they can be, whatever that may mean for them. Everyone has a different meaning of success.

My work has taken me throughout Australia, some of New Zealand and I have had the fortune to work in Asia

as well. Much of it has been to re-organise or transform businesses. This is fascinating and I never ceased to be amazed at the wonderful ideas people have and come up with to continually improve business.

I have owned my own businesses and started up a couple too, including a catering business. Mostly I have owned and grown consulting businesses in Australia and Asia – primarily in human resources, change and leadership.

Currently, along with my consulting work (my business is called The Human Resources Department), I am a Director on two not for profit boards.

We are often told people will have five careers in their life from hereon in. I have already had that and always look forward to doing new things, or being able to bring my skills and experience to assist businesses and people.

I have lived in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Singapore and now Launceston. I am not sure where I will live next, if I move, or if I do not. Life is an adventure, and I try to take it with both hands and see what it brings.

WHAT ROLE HAS YOUR TIME AT PLC SYDNEY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION AT PLC SYDNEY SHAPED THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?I think I did not really know how much PLC shaped my life until I was in my 30s. I had the opportunity to take on leadership roles at school, which allowed me to learn and appreciate people and learn to support others in their endeavours, which in the end assisted me in mine.

I think also the values you learn at PLC, including education, gratitude, giving back to others and understanding the fortune you have bestowed on you, have been very important for me.

The friendships, which have lasted for so long, and so many of them have given me a great grounding. They have provided lots of laughter, support and kindness and I hope I have given those back too.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OUR STUDENTS TODAY ABOUT THEIR JOURNEY BEYOND PLC SYDNEY?The advice I give to people is to find what your passion is and pursue it. People get caught up in money, they have it around the wrong way. It is

better to be happy. Strangely enough it all works out no matter what—just not the way we may have thought.

If there is something you want to do, or an opportunity of interest comes your way, take it. Even if you are not sure what to do, take it. We never know what the world will bring and where it can lead you. Remember, people regret what they have not done, not what they have done.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM SCHOOL ARE...Telling Ros Rennie that I was going to be a Nun. I think she just laughed at that. Skiing with Marina Clark (Lvoff) and Alison Sefton and thinking we were very naughty, whilst really we were simply naïve and having good fun.

Training most mornings and many afternoons—either gymnastics, netball, softball or athletics. Going to school on the train and all the social activities that went with that. I lived at Cronulla and so it was a long train trip each way. And then there was the day we could not get to school due to flooding at Gymea station.

Drama classes with Audrey Keown, I loved these and learning how to speak and project my voice—a very useful skill that I continue to use today. And of course various school plays.

Jackie Dillon asking me not to sing in assembly as I am hopeless (and she was right!). And then my friends tell me I took some classes, as I was not happy with the teachers and the teaching. Oops, I hopefully have better diplomacy now. Oh and Sue McKeith suggesting I would make a good diplomat.

Having my uniform checked for length, although once I got to school it usually came off for a sports tunic and those glorious bloomers! Oh yes and the fabulous blue ‘Speedos’ with our initials embroidered on them and the red swimming cap (helmet).

When I think back, there was so much that I remember and value.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Consultant

CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: Launceston, Tasmania.

JENNIFER DIGNAM (Clark, 1979)

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OUR ALUMNI WHAT DO THEY WANT?

In October and November 2018, the College and Ex-Students’ Union (ESU) conducted the first in-depth survey of the alumni community.

The purpose of the survey was to review current alumni activities and gain honest input and feedback from ex-students about ESU events, communications and future plans.

The survey was conducted with the assistance of MMG Education and was offered to alumni as a confidential questionnaire.

Major findings of the survey were the need to increase understanding of the ESU among ex-students who graduated between 2000 and 2017; look to establish new events that appeal to the younger alumni cohorts including networking and mentoring opportunities; and to improve and increase communication to all alumni.

Since the Survey was conducted, the ESU has been working to address major concerns expressed in the survey and is:

• collaborating with the Social Science department's Women In Enterprise program to offer student mentoring with ex-students who graduated in the last 10 years

• working closely with the Futures Centre on careers focused events including the Futures Breakfast series (page 24) and the Careers Forum in Term 3 which enable recent graduates to share their experience with current students

• exploring digital services that will enhance the ESU's website presence and improve the way Alumni network with each other and with the College.

In response to other feedback, the inaugural Heritage Walking tour of the school grounds, in partnership with College Archives, takes place in late-June.

The ESU has held a comprehensive Planning Day to discuss the feedback and to set a strategy for the next five years, and consider more suggestions provided by the Survey. Alumni will be invited to provide input to this process, and we thank each ex-student in advance for their support as we work to enhance our program.

ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK

“I think the school really fosters self-confidence, independent thought and pride in achievements—the friends I have from school are an exceptional bunch of women.”

“I think five year reunions would be fantastic, especially the first five years after leaving school. 10 years is a long time, especially the first ten years!”

“We need events that create connections in the workforce. ESU needs to be for the young or those in the workforce, or owners of their businesses, not just mature ex-students.”

“I really like what was done this year on Jersey Day. Having many decade reunions on Jersey Day gave it a really good vibe.”

“As a mature woman I have grown to understand that my years at PLC provided me with a strong belief in myself, having female mentors and leaders around me in my formative years was purposeful and enabled me to develop my own leadership style.”

“I had a good all round education. I made lifelong friends… I was introduced to a love of sport. I was shown the importance of living and caring for the wider community and the less well off (Dorcas, etc.).”

“I think there needs to be more activities for working women.”

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1966 - 1985

1986 - 2000

1965 & EARLIER

2001

- 2017

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SURVEY RESPONSES: ALUMNI BY YEAR GROUP

SurveyResponses

By Year Group

OF ALUMNI HAVE ATTENDED

A REUNION

77%

Easier way to update alumni contact details

More timely communication

THE FOUR FUTURE INITIATIVES THAT REGISTER THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF INTEREST ARE:

WHAT DO EX-STUDENTS VALUEABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE FROM

THEIR TIME AT PLC SYDNEY?

LOYALTY/AFFINITYFOR THE SCHOOLAMONG ALUMNI

77%

REQUESTS TO IMPROVE

COMMUNICATION:

TOP 3

College Tours/Visit for

Ex-students

1Ex-students

Business Directory

2Career

Networking Activity

3Mentoring for Current

Students

4

OF ALUMNI PREFER DIGITAL

INVITATIONS

80%

Alumni Response

Rate

18%

BOARDERS 14%

BOTH 6%

Printed version of magazine or newsletter

FRIENDSHIPS

26 %24%

30

%

20 %

DAY GIRLS 80%

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1 Meta Street Croydon NSW 2132

Phone (+612) 9704 5666 Fax (+612) 9744 0519

[email protected]

www.plc.nsw.edu.au

All material appearing in Camphora is copyright. Reproduction is not permitted unless otherwise authorised.

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29 ex-students’ news

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