QUAERITE | The Journal of Shelford Girls' Grammar - WINTER 2020 - Digital ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WINTER 2020 QUAERITE | The Journal of Shelford Girls’ Grammar
Contents
Principal’s welcome 1
Principal’s welcome
Motivated by an inspired past 2 I began 2020 with nerves, hopes and excitement, as the newly
appointed, eleventh Principal of Shelford. I was humbled by
Two sides of the one story ... 3
the opportunity and optimistic about the year ahead.
Remote learning 4 I anticipated settling in to the community. I looked forward
to the reunions and events that would allow me to meet
A timely lesson amid a complex world 5
students, families and alumni. I anticipated the key activities,
History repeats 6 competitions and performances.
Adjusting to COVID-19 7 Yet, this was not to be. From late January, Through it all, we provided onsite
the COVID-19 outbreak has been the supervision to the children of essential
New Shelford staff 8
dominant force in our lives. Firstly, we workers.
Class of 2019 10 managed the return of our international
Returning to school during Term 2,
students. This grew to a larger issue
again a little earlier than expected, also
Our ELC 12 when foreign travel by staff, students
raised challenges as to how to best keep
and families, to a number of countries,
students, families and staff safe, and
Student art and writing 13 became a focus heading towards the
which activities could run. Procedures
Term 1 break.
and processes to manage risks were
Junior School 18 We then had to plan for the coming formulated.
Our alumni are an impressive group of
pandemic. We knew that remote learning
Senior School 19 A key focus for us was regular extraordinary women; many are managing
was more than a possibility and much
communication with our wider community. the COVID crisis in various parts of the
Sport 20 more of a likelihood. Yet pivoting to the
We have been honest and open with all world and they have reached out to
point where almost the entire school went
of our stakeholders about our decision- each other to help their schoolmates
Year 7 and 8 camps 21 to remote learning at the end of Term
making processes, and transparent about through these difficult times. They have
1, was a remarkable and unprecedented
what we are doing and our rationales sought engagement with the School and
Shelford history 22 situation to face.
for action. We have sought feedback at their connections here. It is at times of
Our teachers and students were upskilled regular intervals and responded to it. We crisis that a community like Shelford is
Shelfordians on the COVID frontline 23 on Microsoft Teams, the new Learning at its best and that we all feel a part of a
have not always had everyone agree with
Management System (LMS) was tested every decision we have made, but we greater whole.
Shelfordian news 26
and guidelines for remote learning have assured our community that we have
I feel personally, a strong sense of the
formulated. Year 7–10 attended virtual their best interests at heart and that we
history of Shelford, of the women who
classrooms for each timetabled lesson have been working tirelessly to provide
have gone before me and the challenges
and in Foundation to Year 6 the students the safest opportunities possible.
that they have faced. I am encouraged by
enjoyed a mixture of synchronous, virtual
COVID-19 has affected every aspect of their presence in the photos that adorn
learning opportunities with teachers and
our operations and practices. Through it the walls of the School and I feel that I
classes, combined with asynchronous
all, we have learnt to accept uncertainty. am walking in their well-trodden pathway.
learning through resource packs and
That change is inevitable. That we have This School has weathered strong and
activities on the Learning Management
to move swiftly but carefully. That difficult stormy weather in the past and will
System.
circumstances show you who people are. continue to do so.
We streamed various activities and
Our wonderful students have shown Katrina Brennan
events online and the social media ‘Iso Principal
independence. They have seen the
Hopscotch Challenge’ contributed to
value of their strong relationships and
a continuing sense of community and
resilience. Our dedicated and inspiring
connection. Students and families could
teachers have adopted new technology,
continue to access a range of support.
incorporated different teaching strategies
As the COVID-19 pandemic reverberated and been able to respond in a flexible
through the community, we helped way, to a completely new mode of
Our wonderful students have
Shelford family businesses by advertising living and working. Our hard working shown independence. They
through our social media and school professional services staff have put the have seen the value of their
community networks, and along with students and our community at the centre
generous donations from some of our of all that they do. Our families’ support
strong relationships and
A most extraordinary time
Shelfordians we were able to assist and care has enabled us to work together resilience.
individual families with fee relief. to ensure student wellbeing and learning.
Cover photo: Principal Katrina Brennan pictured with Shelford’s Co-Captains
Lucy McConville and Jodi Pang.
1
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Motivated by an inspired past Two sides of the one story ...
By Peter Hanlon an epiphany, I knew it was the place I was as Director of Staff and now Principal, Our Deputy Principals Karen Whelan and Dan Belluz reflect on
meant to be. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy has sparked regular reunions with alumni
When Katrina Brennan was in Grade
the law, I just wasn’t passionate about it. who were Year 7-9 girls when they first
the impact of COVID-19 on their roles within the School.
4 at a Launceston Primary School, she
To be a good lawyer I had to pretend to crossed paths, and are now women doing
was blessed to have a teacher whose joining webinars with people from all
approach to her young students has not
be someone else, whereas in teaching I amazing things. Their care for each other, Karen Whelan
over the world I was able to find ways to
could be my whole authentic self and it and pride in their old school, moves her. Deputy Principal,
only stayed with her, it’s greatly influenced connect and creatively problem solve via
seemed to work quite well with the job.’
where she finds herself today. ‘You sew those seeds, but you don’t Staff and Operations a screen.
Now she is the 11th Principal of Shelford always see them grow,’ Brennan says. ‘I
‘Mrs Walter was an amazing teacher. What is your biggest lesson during the
Girls’ Grammar, and from her office in can still see the girls they were, intelligent, What is your role at Shelford?
She did yoga stretches with us, a bit of remote learning period?
the historic Helenslea building where the insightful, down to earth girls. And now I am responsible for ensuring that Shelford
mindfulness, the things we do today When nothing is certain, anything is
Caulfield education institution began they’re incredible women. And they look develops as a vibrant professional learning
which were quite innovative at the time,’ possible. The pandemic provided us with
more than 120 years ago, she feels not after each other, they’re still in contact community where all staff are supported
Brennan says. to meet the standards and requirements an amazing opportunity to reflect on our
so much a weight of responsibility as a with their friends.’
‘She took my friends and I out to humbling honour. of their roles. This involves working current practices and reimagine what the
As lawyers, doctors, psychologists, collaboratively with Dan to ensure we can future holds for Shelford!
dinner with her family to a Chinese
‘Those strong women, particularly in the businesswomen, advocates (former implement the best teaching practice. I
restaurant, which at the time was a really
early years, who had that vision for girls’ student Ashleigh Streeter-Jones was What are you most proud of from this What was your biggest challenge during
sophisticated thing to do. She got to also teach a Year 11 Psychology class.
education and really had to fight hard for ACT Woman of the Year for her work in period of time? the remote learning period?
know me as an individual, took a personal How adaptable and resilient the Shelford
the school to sustain itself at times, I walk gender equality), they are showing today’s How did the increasing risk of COVID I think the biggest challenge was the
interest in me, which was quite seminal.’ community has shown themselves to be.
in their footsteps. I take that responsibility Shelford girls all that they can achieve. impact your role at Shelford prior to unknown. Becoming comfortable with
Later she was blessed to have a Year very seriously – forging ahead with that Brennan is especially warmed that an remote learning? holding ideas and decisions very loosely
What message would you like to send to
12 teacher, Lorna Probst, who became same strong vision, pushing those barriers outstanding former student who could From a teaching perspective, I did not and being able to make changes with little
the broader Shelford community at this
a significant mentor and ‘one of the for girls and young women.’ have taken her pick of career paths chose have a full class of students physically to no notice. Dealing with this level of
time?
main reasons I wanted to be an English to be a teacher. present in my classroom, so I had to create uncertainty and knowing that the decisions
Brennan used an introductory With a shared focus on learning and
teacher’. Further down life’s road, after connections with these students to ensure we were making would impact not only
presentation to her Shelford students to ‘I think there’s a real awareness of the wellbeing, there is nothing that the
a career false start that was more detour they had access to class materials and was on the teaching and learning programs,
speak about the rapidly changing world, need for girls’ education,’ Brennan says. Shelford community can’t achieve together.
than wrong turn, she took over from able to begin to develop relationships with but the health and wellbeing of our
and how the school’s core values – of ‘It’s not an old-fashioned, cloistered them remotely.
Probst as the Head of Senior School at community was difficult to manage.
respect, creativity, integrity, passion – are away from the world view of education, Dan Belluz
Fintona Girls’ School. ‘It’s a funny old Operationally, I met regularly with the
world,’ Brennan laughs.
more important than ever. Just as girls’ it’s quite the opposite. It’s about Deputy Principal, What is your biggest lesson during the
education is so vital, inspired by the sort empowering, raising each other up and Executive Team and all other key staff remote learning period?
One that might have been very different. of role models she feels blessed to have working together. members to ensure we were able to keep Teaching and Learning
Trusting one’s instinct, experience and the
Brennan loved literature, but opted to had as a student. abreast of the latest government advice facts. Collaboration with colleagues and
‘Women all around the world who are What is your role at Shelford?
study law and practised for five years, and guidelines. I also worked to develop the Executive Team, but also colleagues
That connection her cherished teachers doing great things have often come from I am responsible for the academic
working with a federal tribunal, on guidelines to transition all our staff safely at other schools (sharing) and around the
encouraged has already come back to her a girls’ school.’ programs as well as developing the
secondment in the Ombudsman’s office, and effectively to a remote learning world. I think we have all learned to share
in a most rewarding way. After starting technological platforms used in delivering
and in private practice in personal injury This article appeared in an International environment. and listen.
her teaching career at Westbourne programs, providing feedback and
litigation. Chatting with friends who were Women’s Day feature, Inspiring engaging families from Foundation to
Grammar, she worked at Shelford as What did you do during the remote What are you most proud of from this
teachers, a missed opportunity gnawed. Tomorrow’s Leaders, in The Age on Year 12. I work closely with both the
Director of Middle School before stints learning period? period of time?
7 March 2020 page 7. Deputy Principal, Staff and Operations
‘So I enrolled in a DipEd at Melbourne at Fintona and in regional Victoria. Her It was important to us that we were still That we did not shy away from difficult
Uni, and my first teaching round was like return to Shelford 18 months ago, initially able to offer our staff opportunities to and the pastoral team to ensure our
decisions and that we came together
continue their own learning during this programs will reflect the needs and
with a very new leadership team to
time by participating in professional interests of our students. Every day brings
provide a positive learning experience
learning that focused on working in a something a little different, whether it be
to our students and support our staff
remote learning environment, building a question from a staff member on how
and families. In doing so, we have all
their own professional learning networks we can support the learning of individual
discovered more about resilience and
and learning from others in the education students, to building design elements to
creativity than I would have thought
profession that were either ahead of us in support teaching and learning in the future
possible.
lockdown or in the same situation. at Shelford.
One of our key goals was to ensure
What message would you like to send to
How did the increasing risk of COVID
Shelford remained connected as a
the broader Shelford community at this
impact your role at Shelford prior to
community. Education is a social profession
time?
remote learning?
and it was of great importance to maintain
Probably two things here. The first is
This was quite easily the most challenging
staff connectedness during this time.
that (as a community) we have risen to
situation I have experienced in my career
the challenge of teaching and learning
thus far. Within a matter of weeks, we had
What was your biggest challenge during online. Secondly, that we will not ignore
to train staff and students on using our
the remote learning period? the lessons we have learned and will look
Learning Management System (LMS) for
I missed the interaction and the joy of at how we can use some of the ideas
a practical online application of distance
being in the same room as staff and to further improve our programs and
learning – whilst also developing new
students. Through talking with my own structure.
policy and delivering our curriculum in a
network, my students, other staff and meaningful and managed way.
2 3
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Remote learning A timely lesson amid a complex world
By Portia Conyers-East ‘We knew being online for a whole school From their discussions with overseas
day was going to be tiring for both educators, Shelford recognised that
For more than 122 years, Shelford Girls’
students and teachers, so we had to make maintaining the wellbeing of the school
Grammar School in Caulfield has been
some changes to our normal day-to-day community was paramount. So, they kept
educating girls and young women. In more
programming.’ in mind the wellbeing of all – teachers,
recent years, the small school has been
students and even families.
preparing students for a global world, with To help reduce screen time, Shelford’s
its constant and fast-paced change and teaching body created ‘no new content’ The school ran virtual challenges to get the
growing interconnectivity. days for their Senior School students (Years students up and active, from something
7–12), in which the girls would instead as simple as making a parent a cup of
‘More than ever, our students need to
spend the day doing independent study. tea to something more strenuous such as
be able to adapt, innovate and problem-
The primary school followed a similar going for a bike ride. The wellbeing team
solve,’ explains Shelford’s Principal, Katrina
structure, with students being given less touched base with every family at the school
Brennan. ‘Our girls are going to be living
virtual class work and more individually individually, while staff collaborated with
in a world of environmental and economic
focused tasks. each other, working through the first-term
challenges … so they need to expect the
holidays and sharing resources constantly.
unexpected and work within changing Longer breaks were also introduced
paradigms.’ between each class, which allowed the girls ‘We can’t wait to have everyone back on
to get up and stretch or go for a short walk. school soil,’ says Brennan. ‘Our families,
The current global pandemic is not exactly
It brought an epiphany, of sorts. students and staff all love being together
what Shelford’s educators explicitly had in
on campus. We are aware it is going to be
mind when they sought to prepare their ‘We have decided to keep these longer
different, but this time has reminded us of
students for a complex, global world. breaks once the students start returning
the strength of community and why working
to the classroom,’ adds Brennan. ‘In the
Nevertheless, a period of remote learning together is so important.
interim, we will need extra time to sanitise
has provided beneficial lessons which the
classrooms and for personal hygiene levels ‘We have recognised the importance of
school plans to take back into face-to-face
to be maintained. being flexible and have acknowledged
classroom teaching.
things may change some more … and
‘In the long-term, there is the potential to
‘We are learning from what has happened that is okay, because we are prepared for
retain these longer class breaks. Why do we
and adapting to it,’ says Brennan. ‘We change, and our students are learning to
need to rush from class to class? If we have
reached out across our teachers’ network be, too.’
longer breaks, the students will arrive at
and collaborated with schools from Europe
their next class calm, with clearer minds and This article appeared in the Independent
and Hong Kong – who were a few weeks
ready to learn.’ School Guide, The Sunday Age, 24 May
ahead of us – to see how they managed
2020 page 14.
remote education.
12 December First case 5 February Australia announces a 14-day
of novel coronavirus ban for non-citizens arriving from China.
is detected in Wuhan, 11 February The World Health Organisation
26 May Foundation to Year 2 and
COVID-19 timeline
China. It is not disclosed names the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Year 10 to Year 12 students return
for several weeks. The global death toll passes 1000. to onsite learning at Shelford.
December January February March April May June July
7 January Chinese authorities confirm they have 1 March A Perth man becomes Australia’s first fatality. 4 April Australia’s death toll hits 30. Globally 1 June Social restrictions ease in Victoria 9 July After a second wave of confirmed
identified 2019-nCoV. 7 March Global cases hit 100,000. coronavirus cases surpass 1 million. with social gatherings and community COVID-19 cases, Melbourne returns to
9 January A 61-year-old man from Wuhan is the 11 April The global death toll surpasses sport allowed, with restricted numbers. Stage 3 social restrictions.
11 March The WHO declares coronavirus a global pandemic.
world’s first death linked to the virus. 100,000. 9 June Students from Years 3 to 9 13 July Students from Foundation to Year
16 March Victoria declares a state of emergency.
20 January Chinese authorities confirm the virus 12 April Easter services are livestreamed return to onsite learning at Shelford. 9 return to remote learning, students
17 March A human biosecurity emergency is declared in from Year 10–12 attend school onsite at
can spread from person-to-person, with coronavirus across the nation as the holiday is celebrated in
Australia as the national death toll rises to six. Shelford.
added as a listed human disease under the isolation for the first time in Australia’s history.
Biosecurity Act of 2015. 22 March Global death toll climbs past 11,000. 23 July Over 15 million cases of COVID-19
15 April Coronavirus cases around the world
25 January The first case of coronavirus in Australia 23 March Shelford moves to remote learning operations, surpass 2 million. are confirmed globally, with the death toll
is confirmed – a man from Wuhan travelled to with all teachers and students working from home. surpassing 600,000.
25 April Anzac Day is commemorated with a
Melbourne on 19 January. The Prime Minister (PM) announces tough new restrictions simultaneous Dawn Service across the nation,
Shelford asks all students returning from China on social distancing across the country in a bid to curb the from people’s homes, for the first time in
to self-isolate for two weeks after returning to spread of coronavirus. Australia’s history.
Australia, prior to starting the new school year. 25 March Weddings, funerals and birthday celebrations are
29 January Australia records seven confirmed heavily restricted and Australians are banned from travelling
cases. overseas in wide-ranging new restrictions announced by PM.
31 January The World Health Organisation (WHO) Australian citizens are only allowed to leave their houses to
declares a public health emergency of international work or study, shop for essential items, care for vulnerable
concern over the global outbreak of coronavirus. family members, or exercise. Those who can work from home
must work from home.
Global death toll breaks 20,000.
4 5
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
History repeats Adjusting to COVID-19
The move to remote learning was not a first for Shelford. During the polio epidemic of 1937 An article by School psychologist Jacqui Green, that originally
the School shut its doors and sent students home to the safety of correspondence classes. appeared in the Shelford staff wellbeing newsletter
(Edition 3, 11 May 2020)
Because of the epidemic, we were not able to hold our Memories from Anne Warrell Today we are adjusting. We are
Speech Night in the St Kilda Town Hall; however, on the last Anger
day of the term a very pleasant time was spent. The School
(Chamberlin, 1942) all experiencing differing states of
adjustment due to COVID-19 and along Anger can feel empowering.
Council entertained all the scholars with ice cream, and the Anne Warrell (nee Chamberlin) was nine years old and in Year
prizes were distributed by Canon Peatt at a special assembly. with this is an individual and collective Anger can sometimes help us feel a
4 at Shelford when the polio epidemic hit Victoria in 1937.
sense of grief. We are grieving the year sense of control over the uncontrollable
Despite the fact that the latter half of 1937 was very She remembers the School closed for a term and all school that wasn’t. including our own fears. This can look like
disorganised, highly satisfactory results were obtained at work and assignments were sent home to be completed blaming others, being hostile and refusing
the Public Examinations. We congratulate Mary Marsden on There are plenty of memes circulating
then collected from students’ homes by staff or volunteers to comply with rules.
gaining an exhibition for Trinity College (Janet Clarke Hall), about 2020 and the year that needs to
each week. She says, ‘we were confined to our houses and
as well as a free place at the University. be restarted. This illustrates our collective COVID-19 anger sounds like:
gardens and couldn’t even play with our neighbours next
sense that we are longing for our sport,
door. We would wear wooden clothes pegs on our noses • ‘This is all China’s fault.’
Our thanks and congratulations are due to the Staff for our gatherings for celebrations, weddings,
to stop the germs. I had a wonderful time playing games
their untiring work in making the Correspondence Classes children in the classroom, fitness classes • ‘I don’t like what the Government is
outside with my older sister, Margaret. My sister, Joy worked
function so satisfactorily. We must also thank the parents for etc. The list is extensive and personal to telling me. I’m bored and I’m having
in the city and when one of her work colleagues contracted
their help and co-operation during this trying time. Divinity each and every one of us. some friends over.’
polio and died, our mother fumigated our house with
Classes were carried on by Canon Peatt and the Rev. A. G.
sulphur.’ The grieving process was first
Mee, and examination results were satisfactory. All sporting COVID-19 acceptance sounds like:
conceptualised by Dr Elisabeth Kübler- Bargaining
events during third term were cancelled. The Cock House for Her advice for everyone living through the COVID-19
Ross in 1969 as having five stages. Later Bargaining is our way of finding a less • ‘I can’t control coronavirus, but I
the year was Langley. pandemic is to ‘do as you’re told’ and she believes that
in her life, Dr Kübler-Ross revised her painful way out of a situation but also can do my part by staying at home,
‘distancing between people is a great idea’.
The first term of 1938 opened with the epidemic still raging theories to acknowledge these stages maintaining the illusion that we still have washing my hands and thinking
in our midst, but the majority of upper middle school and are fluid, not fixed. This meaning, the five control. We are not ready yet to face positively.’
senior girls returned, and as the epidemic waned the lower stages of grief might or might not occur reality so we try to find a compromise. • ‘Just because I can’t live like I use to
school girls returned gradually. We now have practically our in the order presented below. Kübler-
COVID-19 bargaining sounds like: doesn’t mean my life has to stop. I can
full complement of pupils, and are glad to be working once Ross proposed that some people may work from home, and I can still connect
more under normal conditions. experience variations of the same stage • ‘It’s OK to spend time with friends as with my friends and family via phone
multiple times, while some may skip a long as they wash their hands.’ and the internet.’
We said good-bye to Canon and Mrs Peatt late in March,
stage (or stages) altogether. However, as
and welcomed Canon and Mrs Langley home from their • ‘This will all be over by June. I’ll be
a general rule, these are the five common • ‘The world is going to change, but
holiday overseas. We are now looking forward to a happy safe until then, and then we can go
stages of grief: maybe when we are on the other side
and successful time during the remaining portion of this year. back to normal.’ of this, we will be more compassionate
1. Denial to one another.’
School report from Quaerite magazine, July 1938 • ‘I’ll be fine as long as I stay away from
2. Anger
sick people.’ COVID-19 has asked us to pivot, adjust,
3. Bargaining
4. Despair and surrender but there has also been a
5. Acceptance Despair lot of grief with this change. Please, allow
Joan Rackham (Butler, 1945) School Captain and Dux Despair arises when reality fully sinks in. yourself some anger, denial, bargaining,
When we apply the stages of grief and a bit of despair. Go ahead and grieve.
Joan Rackham (Butler) started in Prep at Little Shelford in 1933 and remembers having We feel hopelessness, disempowered and
framework to understand our experience You have earned it. We all have. Look for
to stay home for several weeks in 1937 due to the polio outbreak. She said if there all is lost.
of COVID-19 we gain an insight into our acceptance as WE CAN DO THIS!
were cases in certain areas, everyone in those areas had to stay home for a while. Joan collective reactions to the pandemic. COVID-19 despair sounds like:
went on to complete her secondary education at Shelford and was School Captain and
Dux in 1945. • ‘This epidemic is the new normal. I
Denial can say goodbye to my hopes and
Polio was still circulating in the community and Joan ended up contracting the illness
Often in the service of self-preservation, dreams.’
in the second year of her science degree at the University of Melbourne while training for
we can deny or reject physical and COVID-19 has asked us to
a university fencing competition. She didn’t have to go to hospital but remembers being • ‘We will never have sport ever again.’
emotional pain. Denial is the intellectual pivot, adjust, and surrender
at home feeling very unwell. She recalls, ‘I was lucky when I got polio – I was very fit. My
and emotional rejection of something that but there has also been a lot of
mother was a nurse and I was allowed to stay home quarantined (a bit like today) doing
is clear and obvious. Acceptance
many exercises but no splints or braces.’ grief with this change. Please,
Acceptance occurs when we finally
Joan recovered and competed in national as well as university fencing competitions. Upon COVID-19 denial sounds like:
acknowledge the facts. We surrender allow yourself some anger,
completion of her science degree, she became a microbiologist. Joan says, ‘I worked at • ‘This whole thing is so exaggerated. to the facts and accept them whatever denial, bargaining, and a bit of
the Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, until 1955 when I was married, mainly isolating and What a media beat up.’ those facts might be. When we reach
identifying bacteria in samples of infections, and testing them against the new antibiotics.
despair.
acceptance, we can stop denying and
After several years I ended up as a lecturer in science at the Institute of Early Childhood at • ‘It’s the same as the flu. People get the
resisting reality, and we can start dealing
Kew.’ flu every year and hardly anyone dies.’
with what has happened and what is
She encourages girls interested in maths and science to pursue their interest as she says, • ‘I’m not old, so I’ll be fine.’ happening, as effectively as we can.
‘I think that there is a wonderful scope of careers for girls in the future in science.’
6 7
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
New Shelford staff
Karen Whelan of English, Head of Year and Head at the Japanese Language Teachers Matt McLellan teaching Chinese in the Junior School. education, Ilse’s
of Debating. She has also taught at Association of Victoria annual conference Wei-Yi’s gentle and calm demeanour broad skills include
Deputy Principal, Staff and Operations Senior School Mathematics teacher
Haileybury College where she was and has spoken at interstate and global and her approachable and enthusiastic a love of English
(including VCE Maths Methods)
Karen comes to also Head of English and prior to this, conferences. In addition to teaching attitude will assist our students to feel and writing, with
us most recently worked in a variety of schools. Rachel is Japanese, Julie has a double major in Matt has a Bachelor confident and capable in their Maths training in VCOP
from MLC, where an outstanding Senior English teacher, French and Japanese, and is looking of Science, a studies. and the Big
she has worked in who has been on the VCAA English text forward to contributing to the teaching Bachelor of Write. Coming to
staffing and as a selection panel, has contributed to and of French in the school and to leading Engineering, Kathryn (Kath) Lucas Shelford midway
Psychology teacher. written NEAP Smart Study Guides and the LOTE faculty. a Bachelor of through Term 1,
Karen has a Masters Aerospace Drama Coordinator
trial examinations and has contributed we are incredibly
in Educational to other publications such as VATE’s Madeleine Couloumbe Engineering and Kath joined grateful for Isle’s interpersonal skills and
Leadership and (Victorian Association of Teachers a Bachelor of Shelford last year work ethic. Within weeks of joining our
has experience in Year 11 English and Year 12 Literature Education. Most
of English) Inside Stories, Jacaranda as a temporary staff, Ilse supported her class through
diverse schools – in country Victoria, textbooks and The Age. Rachel has Madeleine was the recently, Matt cover and we are the transition to remote learning with
London and in Melbourne – including presented at VCE English conferences Head of English worked at Brighton Grammar School for delighted that she excellent student outcomes.
Scotch College and Strathcona Baptist for teachers and students. at Ivanhoe Girls’ ten years, teaching all the Mathematics is joining us in a full-
Girls Grammar School. She has a Grammar and is a VCE subjects, working in enrichment, time capacity this Simone Lewis
significant depth of knowledge in Karen McMullen presenter and guest support, and holding coordination and year. Kath has been
relation to girls’ education both through leadership roles. He has previously Junior School Art teacher
lecturer at Monash a professional actor
her professional experience and as a Head of Mathematics Years 7–10 worked at Sacred Heart Girls College
University Faculty and has worked Simone is a
mother of two daughters. Karen has just of Education. She Oakleigh where he was the Head of for many years at the National Theatre Shelfordian (1998)
completed a PhD has presented Mathematics. Drama School. She previously worked and most recently
on how reflective at the Victorian coordinating Drama at St Michael’s taught at Brighton
Jacinta Chambers
Year 9 Coordinator, Humanities,
thinking promotes Association of Teachers of English (VATE) Deon Weingarten Grammar and we feel very fortunate Grammar School.
the development State conferences. Madeleine is on that someone with Kath’s background, She has a wealth
and History teacher Mathematics teacher
of self-regulated the VCAA VCE Literature text advisory experience and passion for her craft, has of experience in
Jacinta has learning panel and is a VCE Literature examiner. Deon has a degree joined Shelford. both Junior and
previously worked at strategies in Year Her past positions have included roles from Monash Senior School
Peninsula Grammar 8 Mathematics, at Scotch College, Wesley College and University and Yuchen Huang teaching. She has
where she was the and has a Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC). She has been working held a position coordinating community
for ten years Year 7–9 Science teacher
Head of Humanities. passion for curriculum and pedagogy has also previously worked at the J Paul service at Brighton Grammar. Simone has
She has a Masters in Mathematics. She has worked for Getty Trust in Los Angeles. Madeleine at McKinnon Yuchen has a a passion for visual arts, creativity and
of Teaching over ten years at Killester College as is completing postgraduate study and Secondary College. Science degree establishing positive relationships with
from Melbourne a Maths Learning Leader. An expert in research at Monash University on the He has a broad and a Masters her students, and she will make a strong
University and a Further Maths, she is a textbook writer, teaching of writing. She has a Bachelor of range of interests of Education impression and impact on our students’
Bachelor of Media has been an examination assessor and Arts (BA) in comparative literature from in education and from Melbourne visual arts education.
and Communication. Jacinta has been more recently, an examination panel Sarah Lawrence College in New York. in life – he is very well travelled and has University. She has
the recipient of the Gandel Holocaust member. Karen has a Masters in School worked volunteering in India, Israel and been the director Camilla McInerney
Scholarship for Australian educators, Leadership (in numeracy education) and Julia Lloyd Bruin Laos, has worked as a disability support of a theatre group
worker and has studied social work. 3-year-old Kindergarten teacher
where she travelled to Israel to study is a thoughtful and warm teacher, who at Melbourne
Year 9 and 10 English and Deon is a gentle, warm, funny and kind
for three weeks. She has been an acting will affect the teaching and learning University. Camilla comes to
Year 9 Q teacher teacher who will fit in to Shelford as
Director of Learning and Wellbeing of Mathematics at Shelford in a very Alongside her passion for teaching us with over ten
and attended World Challenge trips to positive manner. Julia has a Bachelor both an excellent teacher and wonderful Science to girls, borne from her own years’ experience as
Vietnam and Morocco. of Arts with a colleague. experiences in an all girls’ school an early childhood
Julie Devine double major in environment and her love of the subject, teacher, nominated
Rachel Kafka Head of LOTE
English and History. Wei-Yi Wang Yuchen is looking forward to assisting supervisor and
She has worked with performing arts this year. Yuchen is educational
Year 11 Coordinator, Year 7–9 Mathematics teacher
Julie has been the at Fintona Girls’ a passionate and enthusiastic educator; leader. Her most
Senior English teacher Head of Languages School since 2016 Wei-Yi has her energy, thoughtfulness and warmth recent position
Rachel most recently at Star of the Sea as an English and postgraduate will assist students to engage with her was as Director of
taught at Leibler College and is an Literature teacher qualifications in positively in their Science classes. Studley Park Kindergarten and she has
Yavneh, where she experienced and and a Year 9 Coordinator. Julia is a Mathematics, ten a postgraduate Diploma of Education
has had a number well-renowned pragmatic, engaging, funny and warm years’ experience Ilse Johansen (Early Childhood) as well as a Bachelor
of leadership roles, teacher of teacher who has excellent relationships teaching of Arts.
mathematics at Year 6 teacher
often holding more Japanese. She is a with colleagues, students and families
than one position VCAA assessor, was alike. She has experience at Senior Alkira Secondary Ilse comes to us from Korowa Anglican
at a time, including on the new Study English but also enjoys teaching lower College in Girls’ School, with a Bachelor of Early
Co-Head of Senior Design review panel and the review year levels, where you can have fun and Cranbourne, Childhood and Primary Teaching. A
Years 10–12, VCE panel for Japanese in the Australian ignite students’ passions for reading and and was at Grimwade House last year caring teacher with a passion for girls’
Coordinator, Head Curriculum. Julie is a regular presenter writing.
8 9
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Class of 2019
Where are they now? Students Students Hospitality Arts and
communication
enrolled enrolled Music
in single in double
degree degree Health
courses courses
25 22 11 3 3 1 1
Sciences
53 13
Business and
commerce
Design and creative arts Course areas
being studied
Anja Bantick and Television at Swinburne University of Bands’ Festival after months of practising
Bachelor of Business/Marketing (applied), Technology. What I enjoy most about my and hard work. Half of the band was
RMIT University course is studying Production Techniques composed of Year 12 girls who had been
because I have access to film equipment playing music together in Concert Band
What do you like best about your including professional cameras which I since Year 7, so it was brilliant to win
course? can use to shoot my own films. I love that Gold for the first time and in our last year
I am currently studying a Bachelor of I have the opportunity to collaborate with of school too! The second memory was
Business/Marketing (applied) degree at other creative students who share my when the Shelford Track and Field team
RMIT. Due to the conditions of isolation, passion for filmmaking to produce short came first at GSV athletics, for the first
online university has its challenges. Being films. time in around 20 years. The best part
a first-year student, missing out on the about both of these successes and my
Your favourite Shelford memory?
years’ experience and opportunities time at Shelford was the camaraderie and
has been disappointing, however, I am I have so many incredible memories friendships that I experienced with girls
making the most of online study by video from Shelford, I absolutely loved being from all year levels.
chatting with other students and my involved in House Performing Arts, school
musical ensembles and performing in
teachers to engage as much as possible.
the 2018 school musical Beauty and the
Stephanie Leong
The subject I most enjoy is Marketing Bachelor of Communication (Advertising),
Principles as it has many elements of Beast.
RMIT
design and creativity to it.
Olivia Kulesza What do you like best about your
Your favourite Shelford memory? course?
Bachelor of Science,
Being at Shelford since Year 3, I have University of Melbourne I’m studying a Bachelor of Communication
many fond memories. From House (Advertising) and my favourite thing about
swimming carnivals and athletic days, What do you like most about your
my course is the creative aspect mixed
Year 11 and 12 formals, and being a course?
with strategy. I really enjoy learning how
part of the House Performing Arts every I am doing a Bachelor of Science at the to alter an advertisement for the specific
year, especially when I was the House University of Melbourne. Before COVID- target audience. It has definitely been
Dance Captain for Blundell. Another fond 19 set in and the campus was closed, I harder doing university online, especially
memory was auditioning for Top Class really enjoyed going into university and tutorials as you don’t have that face-to-
Dance to present a jazz performance walking around to all my classes. face learning, however, I’m still finding
for the VCE season of excellence 2019. I was always bumping into people that my course really interesting and engaging
My performance received a high score I knew from Shelford, as well as the despite the social adjustments.
for VCE VET Dance subject which new friends that I had made from the Premier’s VCE Awards
contributed to my mark for the 2019 year. Science Students’ Society and my classes. Your favourite Shelford memory?
Perhaps best of all though is the honour The Premier’s VCE Awards recognise the outstanding results of
Even though we all had vastly different My favourite Shelford memory would be
of becoming a Shelfordian and making individual students in Victoria.
timetables, there was always someone Aths day and GSV sports because I love
lifelong friends. around to meet up with and have lunch all of the House spirit and how involved We are extremely proud to announce two students from the Class
together. My classes themselves are really everyone gets in the school events. I of 2019 who achieved this honour:
Elyssa Triskelidis interesting – my Geology class is the best! personally loved playing GSV netball and
• Alyssa Davies – Studio Arts
Bachelor of Film and Television, badminton and have some fun memories
Your favourite Shelford memory?
Swinburne University of Technology from those games. Another favourite • Rachel Lendon – Global Politics
There are too many to choose from! The
memory was creating great relationships
What do you like best about your big standouts for me both happened Congratulations to these Shelfordians and also to Ms Deb Pettigrew
with my friends and teachers who were
course? during Year 12. The first was when Senior and Ms Claire Taylor, their talented teachers.
always there whenever I needed help or
Concert Band won Gold at the Victorian
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Film had any questions.
10 11
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Our ELC Student art and writing
Sustainability and indigenous culture
Children need to experience a wide In ELC Denton the focus has been on
variety of hands-on experiences with materials, their properties and recycling.
nature and issues of environment, Working with materials like socks,
sustainability and connection are taken corks and cardboard, our students are
into consideration when choosing large- encouraged to choose the materials
scale projects for study. We also see they are going to use to create artworks
nurturing children’s connection to the carefully, plan and to return to their work
natural world as another way of honouring many times, ensuring that materials are
the traditional owners of our Country. used to their maximum benefit.
As the seasons began to change in In early March, Jenaya from Yarn Strong
Term 1, ELC Solomon witnessed some Sista visited our four-year-old ELC classes
wonderful storms across the city. to conduct an indigenous education
Following the children’s interest in the session with our students. Spending
weather they began investigating different time talking about Aboriginal culture
types of weather systems and soon and the Aboriginal Flag, the students
became fascinated by tornados. They also participated in a craft session.
were particularly captivated by their sheer Encouraging the children to learn more Our Early Learning A poem for freedom
strength; how they swirl and spin around about indigenous perspectives, this
at great speeds collecting everything in session also connected to their growing
Centre is closing at the Being indoors gives you a different
their paths. From here a collaborative art knowledge of sustainable practices. end of the 2020 perspective on the world.
work was born, named ‘Dangerous Storm’ You can see the oak trees swaying but
inspired by their ideas of what it would A much-loved and valued educational
look like if a mighty tornado struck. facility since 1995, hundreds of A letter to myself never feel the icy breeze on your skin.
children have passed through the Watching the sunset from afar but never
Toddler Room and 3- and 4-year old Dear Asher, truly immersing yourself in the warm rays
kindergarten classrooms in the 25 I am writing this letter so you can look of pure light.
years since. Espousing the Emilia back on Term 2 of Grade 6 and remember Observing the seasons change through
Reggio educational philosophy, the how different it was to what you were thick windows that always remain closed.
ELC has been continually staffed expecting.
by dedicated and accomplished The pain in your heart yearns for human
educators, who have created Remember how excited you were interaction but is never indulged.
stimulating and engaging educational about staying home and doing remote You begin to miss the times when
programs and provided the highest schooling? embracing loved ones wasn’t dangerous,
level of care for our youngest students. It is VERY different to what you thought. And shopping for groceries wasn’t a
This decision to close the ELC is not luxury.
Lots of screen time has been tiring and
one that has been made lightly. you are very happy to get outside and Humans need love to survive.
‘With low enrolment numbers and paint especially when it is sunny and nice. Not just people saying “i love you”, but
a significant financial loss projected You have learnt a lot of things. You can physical love.
for 2021 and beyond, the Board was use technology better than your parents. Mothers kissing daughters, fathers
left with no alternative but to close You have found lots of new recipes which embracing sons, children playing with
the Centre. This decision is purely you can make on your own without any cousins.
based on financial viability and is not help. You have even found the ultimate Actions that were taken for granted three
reflective of the quality of service chocolate chip cookie recipe. weeks ago.
delivery in the ELC. The Board has
responsibility for the whole school and Your highlights have been going for walks Now we have adapted and are no longer
the ongoing subsidy of the ELC could with your family. Making Dad walk on the reliant on the warmth of arms around us,
not continue at the expense of services sand even when he didn’t want to. Going
Or on the smiles from kind strangers on
to our students in the Junior and to the park and helping Zoe with her
the street.
Senior Schools’, said Ms Zena Helman, hopscotch challenge. Sewing the heart for
year 12 was good fun and has started a Now there is no life on the street, and the
Chair of the Board of Governors.
new passion. cold faces watching from dark windows
We understand this news is significant don’t smile.
to many families in our community, I know you are excited to go back to
school and see your friends. So the girl sat on her white bed,
particularly those with a connection
surrounded by white walls and suffocated
to our ELC, and thank you for your I hope you enjoyed looking back on this by white masks,
ongoing support and understanding Term.
during this time. And she yearned for freedom.
Asher Kirkilis, Year 6
Anonymous Year 9
12 13
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Student art and writing
Coronavirus panic
buyer’s fever
A red shape hunts acorns in the trees
Tiny claws with pearly black eyes
A fluffed-up tail with fiery hairs
Dig, dig, dig into the ground
Cover it up now
Don’t tell them, no sound
The beast of the forest
Brown-furred body
Powerful teeth
Shred fish
In the creek
Then into his hollow crawls
No tracks in the snow
Just a forest with no
Beast of the woods
He’s sleeping till spring grows
Panic, fevered grabbing
In Coles, Woolies and Aldi’s
Remote learning
People are nabbing reflection
Frozen goods, toilet roll
So far, for my second term of Year 8 I have
Hand sanitizer and soap
been remote learning due to the current
The elderly are being bowled
global pandemic COVID-19. It’s been
Who started this craze?
interesting to say the least – filled with
Dad yelling in a daze some boredom and procrastinating. To
Of his journey through the day have experienced this once in a lifetime,
He went to five different shops unknown time has made me realise how
When will it stop? much I take for granted daily. Throughout
The fevered grabbing… these last few months, I would have
done anything to go back to Shelford,
Rosie Davies, Year 9
have the early morning GSV starts and
see all my friends each day, which I really
didn’t think too much of before. I have
also really appreciated going to a school
with a very functional online learning
platform. Although I haven’t enjoyed
online school nearly as much as going
to Hood Crescent each day, I’ve still had
almost the same opportunities, and have
Shavasana been able to have face to face talks with
Move my head side to side my teachers. Staying mainly in isolation
Roll my shoulders back has also allowed time for an assortment
Lift from the sternum of activities for me to do, such as some
Calm Fortnite with my brother, too many walks
in the park to remember, cuddling with
Rest my eyes my dog, painting, as well as baking
Breathe the deepest breath sugary messes. Overall, this COVID-19
Hold experience has been a memorable one;
Exhale I hope I will not have to go through it
Bow my head again anytime soon. For now, I’m happy
Palms come to kiss and grateful as ever to be returning to
Raise my hands to the third eye Shelford and getting this rollercoaster of a
Breathe year – 2020, back on track.
(To centre yourself) Ali Fraser, Year 8
Nina Fraid, Year 9
14 15
QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Student art and writing
The isolation anthem Inclusion/exclusion
This is a rap about isolation Cape Town, 1973, 10:52 PM. The club, where those perfect girls with
About a bunch of dull time in hibernation the bobbing pig-tails and too-bright
Skip, jump, vault. Cartwheel, jump, finish.
We are stuck at home and there’s no smiles twirled and danced, exactly how I
Skip, jump, vault. Cartwheel, jump,
escaping did. I had dreamt infinitely about being
finish. I flipped and twirled, moonlight
Everyone believing Trump’s false one of them. How I would be accepted
centered on me like a spotlight.
accusations into the club with smiles and polite
Spinning and vaulting, dancing across
Every one saying “It’s just the flu!” greetings, instead of being kicked like
the rooftops. I glanced up at the moon,
Then why is now bleach a good medication a pig. How I would be able to twirl and
which was glowing, nestled among the
On the bright side global warmings non- dance to the music with friends cheering
clouds. Shining and beautiful and...
existent me on, instead of being laughed at and
white. Painfully, blaringly white. I turned
And iso is just like a huge vacation disgraced. How, maybe, just maybe, my
away from the orb, shutting my eyes. I
People going crazy the entire population talent as a gymnast would be recognised,
couldn’t bear to even look at the colour.
Is freaking out until we get a vaccination and I would perform in elite tournaments,
White was an easy shade to find, ever
To sum it I up I basically have nothing to do travelling over the world, meeting new
since the majority of the people in Cape
If I can’t even go to the pool then my whole people and proving that I am strong, I
Town had been kicked out by the all-
life is through succeeded. But reality slapped me in the
white government. Everywhere I looked,
2020 truly is the worst year ever face every time I woke up to the sounds
there was someone in a fancy dress or
I wish that bats just would die off for forever of shattering windows and crying children.
suit, with piercing yet dull eyes, skin as
JK they are amazing apart from the disease A little, black nobody from some tiny part
blank as parchment paper. Gone were
Just remember don’t eat them if they got of Cape Town would never be able to
the people with the warm smiles and
fleas walk into a white-run building, let alone
the bright laughs, like Mr. Arno, the
compete in a gymnastics competition.
Abbie Halliday-Morris, Year 6 local drug store orner, and Mandla, the
Sometimes, when the taunts got too loud
crazy storyteller. The people who I had
and the punches hurt harder, ideas of
been happy with, who had loved and
rebelling filled my head. But I knew that
supported and believed in me. Gone,
those thoughts were foolish and naive. If I
kicked out, every shred of pride and
even attempted to rebel, they would hurt
dignity ripped away from them. It made
Mama and Papa, more than they already
me mad thinking about the abuse we had
had. Drawn back to the pain in my leg,
suffered, the honor of our ancestors that
I looked down to see two shiny trails of
had been ripped from us. All because
blood running down my dark skin. With a
of the virus called apartheid. I hissed in
sigh, I tore myself away from my spotlight
pain as I smashed my shin against one
of moonshine, gently stepping down
of the corrugated, tin covers on our roof,
the stairs, kneeling down on the floor of
rage consuming me for a moment. As I
our gritty kitchen, preparing to patch my
dropped into a crouch, blinking tears from
wounds, just like I had done every other
my eyes, I could see the building of the
night before.
gymnastics club, shining in the moonlight.
Anonymous
16 17QUAERITE | Winter 2020
Junior School Senior School
International Women’s Day in the Junior School Lego Masters Going green
The Junior School had the pleasure of welcoming Shelfordian Niesha Happell (2017) The Junior School students participated in On 5 February members of the
to speak at assembly for International Women’s Day. A champion swimmer during their very own Lego Masters competition Sustainability Team from Glen Eira City
her school years and for the Melbourne Vicentre Swimming Club (MVC), Niesha has during the remote learning period. With Council, came to talk to members of
a number of Senior School swimming records that remain in her name. Alongside animals, household products and outer staff and the Senior School Environment
coaching squads at MVC (that included two current Shelford students), Niesha has space tackled, it was tough to judge a Committee about Shelford’s efforts
coached Shelford’s GSV swimming team for the last two years. Niesha is currently winner when the entries were so good! towards environmental sustainability and
studying a Bachelor of Communications and Media degree. With insights into training our long-term plan to become carbon
as a female athlete in a male world, Niesha has also found herself in a gender-minority neutral. At the meeting, Tahlia Reisacher
as she works towards her aspiration of becoming a sports journalist. Speaking to the (Year 12) and Martha Stamatopoulos
students about the importance of authenticity and living her adult life through our (Year 10) shared their passion for the
Shelford values, Niesha reflected on how being female has never inhibited her from environment and presented their student-
dreaming big and working hard to reach her goals. led drink bottle and coffee keep-cup
Year 12 Induction Service, 25 February
initiative to the group. ‘Congratulations to all our Year 12 students and their parents, for today is a culmination
of many days of schooling that have passed. It is also a chance to look ahead at what is
to come and confirm your intention to lead, to be strong, to aspire and inspire, and to
be kind, to yourself and to others.
‘I wish you all wisdom for the decisions ahead, energy for the actions you will take,
clarity for the problems you will encounter, laughter for the trials that await and
commitment for the endurance you will require. This year will have times of struggle
but you will also create memories and friendships and develop passions and interests
that will last for your lifetime. Take the time to enjoy your classmates, to appreciate your
teachers and to make the most of the opportunity you have to finish your schooling in
a community that holds you at its centre and cares for each of you as the unique and
wonderful individuals you are.’ Principal, Ms Katrina Brennan
Practicing gratitude Eye witnesses International Women’s Day
During April our Year 3 and 4 students On Thursday 12 March, our Unit 1 Legal The Senior School was fortunate to be visited by Dr Andrea Hinwood for International
reflected on the notion of gratitude. Studies classes visited the Supreme and Women’s Day. Andrea is Victoria’s first female Chief Environmental Scientist. An
Alongside sharing something they are County Courts, where students engaged accomplished scientist with specialist expertise in environmental exposures and human
grateful for each morning in their class with a Supreme and County Court judge health, her role is to give the EPA advice to reduce the harmful effects of pollution and
Where is Mrs Ewert? Go Grey in May meetings, they designed a ‘gratitude jar’ to discuss court processes, procedures waste. She also gives advice to senior decision makers, including EPA’s leadership team,
to collect daily reflections through the and statistics. the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Victoria’s Chief Health
At the start of May, Mrs Ewert set 6B a Our Junior School went ‘grey’ in May. remote learning period. As part of this Officer.
challenge. Sending her students a Bitmoji Stepping away from technology to give study, the students also wrote letters of The students viewed a Supreme Plea
of herself, she asked the girls to take her their bodies and brains a break from gratitude to people working in essential Hearing where an accused person Speaking to our students about the pathway to her current ‘dream job’, Andrea
on an adventure. In one week, Mrs Ewert remote learning for a Pop-Up day of fun, services through the COVID-19 pandemic. pleaded guilty and in the words of reflected on her passion for the environment and science and how that spark motivates
practiced ballet, played on the monkey the girls undertook a series of creative the judge ‘showed extreme remorse her professionally. Without ever having had a female role model, Andrea is aware she
bars, cooked dinner and even stopped and wellbeing pursuits to raise awareness in apologising for the crime, and is a female-pioneer in her field. Driven by the belief we have a real opportunity to alter
by Shelford to poke her nose through the of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation. demonstrated behaviour rarely seen in the conversation about the environment into positive terms, Andrea plans to continue
gate! Phew. What a week! the Supreme Court’. They then had the working to drive positive change.
If you would like to support the
opportunity to view the examination in
Foundation, sign up to Connor’s Run
chief of a vulnerable witness via CCTV
or play the Birdbrain trivia game visit
in the County Court. This was a valuable
https://rcdfoundation.org/.
learning experience and one that will
form the basis of many class discussions
throughout their Unit 1–4 course.
18 19You can also read
