OSA CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Scholars

Welcome to our October newsletter. It has been an incredibly busy time for the OSA in September and October. I provide a snapshot of a number of events here in my welcome, but please read on for much more detail and lovely photos below.

Pin Assembly

This year, we were pleased to present the OSA Ammonite lapel pin to 37 students from Year 7, one from Year 9 and one from Year 10. This year, the Pin Presentation was part of a whole school OSA Assembly. We thank Mrs Sandra Naude and Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970) for their presentation on the history of the OSA, and to our keynote speaker, Joanna Millard (Hughes, 1999).

Art Exhibition

The OSA Art Exhibition was such a highlight of the year for the community and 2025 was a brilliant success. Most of all, sincere thanks to Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983) and Samantha Newall (Hamersley, 1993) for coordinating and curating a spectacular collection of artists and artworks.

AGM

On 14 October, we held the 112th Annual General Meeting of GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association. Thank you to those who attended and also enjoyed a most entertaining presentation by Sandra Naude and Pam Casellas (1970) on the history of the OSA.

We welcomed our current committee members:

Executive Committee

• Amanda Burt (Coad, 1989) – President & OSA Council Representative
• Verity Burges (2001) – Vice President & OSA Council Representative
• Victoria Parker (2016) – Vice President
• Michelle Broom (Marfleet, 1989) – Treasurer
• Ella Morison (2016) – Secretary

General Committee

• Jill Binning (Mansel, 1960)
• Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970)
• Joey Seymour (Ladyman, 1991)
• Samantha Newall (Hamersley, 1993)
• Jodie MacIntosh (Phillips, 1993)
• Teelia Peploe (1993)
• Sarah Battaglia (2012)
• Alice Hamilton (2015)
• Isabella Honey (2016)

We are so fortunate to be a part of a strong school and OSA community. In 2026, the OSA Committee will continue to work to maintain this strength and connect with members whenever possible.

Country Lunch

Our Country Lunch at New Norcia was such a delightful day out for catching up with friends and exploring the significant buildings and experiencing a glimpse into monastic life. Thank you to Joey Seymour (Ladyman, 1991) for organising this enjoyable day.

Graduation and St Hilda’s Day

The Year 12 Students received their OSA ammonite pendants and certificates and were welcomed as new members of the OSA at the Year 12 Graduation, and this was followed the next day by the magnificent St Hilda’s Day service at St George’s Cathedral. Many old scholars and their daughters attended these special occasions. The Keynote Speaker at the Graduation was Old Scholar and Olympian, Gemma Davis (Beadsworth, 2004). The occasions were made even more special by the extremely talented school choirs led by Andrea Black (Shepherd, 1990).

Ammonite Scholarship

We congratulate Tessa Hewitt, daughter of Drs Tim and Andrea (Cussons, 1990) and granddaughter of Rosemary Cussons (Arrantash, 1964), who is the recipient of the OSA Ammonite Scholarship 2026. Thank you to the OSA Scholarship Subcommittee for their involvement throughout the year.

Golf

We are holding the OSA Golf Day, 9-hole Ambrose competition, at the Mosman Park Golf Club on Friday 7 November, where members can play for the Bonnie Tollafield Shield and other prizes. We are grateful that Jan MacFarlane is leading the golf for the OSA this year. Contact: Jan McFarlane (Anderson, 1971) 17janmac@gmail.com. Please buy your tickets via the link below.

Christmas Service

Mark your calendars for the OSA Christmas Service and join us as a community to celebrate from 6pm on Monday 1 December in St Hilda’s of Whitby Chapel, and if you wish to read or participate in the service, please contact us at oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au.

Career Profile

In acknowledgement of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Old Scholar Dr Pamela Thompson (Barrett, 1989), and Breast Cancer Specialist, is featured in this edition of the newsletter.

As always, we would love to hear from you. Please send us your news via oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au, and if you need to update your contact details, you can do so at the link below:

Click Here to Update Your Contact Details

Best wishes,

Dr Amanda Burt (Coad, 1989)
President of the GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we turn the spotlight on old Scholar Dr Pamela Thompson (Barrett, 1989).

1988: L-R Penelope Arrow (1988), Vanessa Brown (1989), Pamela Barrett (1989), Susan Cormack (1990).

Each week at work I have the opportunity to help patients in their breast cancer journey. Some will face the reality of a new cancer diagnosis, some will attend for post-cancer survivorship follow-up, some will have an increased risk of breast cancer due to a family history or genetic fault and will be under heightened surveillance, and still others will be reassured of the absence of cancer after undergoing uncomfortable investigations.

It is a privilege to be involved in the care of patients at a time when they are especially vulnerable and I never cease to be humbled by the resilience, gratitude, strength and humour many women show during their journey.

So how did I get to be here, working as a GP Breast Physician in the Fiona Stanley Breast Assessment Clinic and the Breast Cancer Research Centre at Hollywood Hospital?  Like most of us, my career path has been varied and interesting and hasn’t always run a straight course.

1997 Graduating from Medical School

I graduated from St Hilda’s in 1989 and spent a year in the USA as a Rotary Exchange Student. I returned to Perth to study undergraduate medicine at UWA and qualified with honours in 1996. After graduation it was onto the wards at Royal Perth Hospital where I worked as an intern and resident, often feeling hopelessly out of my depth and learning so much, both wonderful and awful, about life and medicine. A few years later, I had the opportunity to work in Scotland which was both rewarding and challenging. I learned that the long hours of a junior doctor in Australia paled compared with the conditions under the NHS! I still remember a lovely young doctor I knew on the labour ward would work 4 days straight on-call, without being able to go home to see her infant daughter during this time. Work-life balance was going to be important.

In 1999 I married a fellow doctor and we embarked on our career adventures together. I settled on General Practice and completed my 4-year Fellowship, with additional diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Anaesthetics. This provided the necessary qualifications to work rurally, and we subsequently practiced in Australind and then the Kimberley.

A highlight was the weekly light plane flight for a clinic in a remote Indigenous community. I met many wonderful people there and returned home with more questions than answers.

We returned to Perth in 2002 for my husband to embark on his specialisation and it was over the next five years, we welcomed three beautiful daughters into the world! I was fortunate to be able to continue to work part time while the girls were little. I can remember rushing home after a session in General Practice, engorged and uncomfortable, to breastfeed my frantic baby! Despite my best efforts, I never could get them onto a bottle.

Inevitably, at times, my career played second fiddle to the family. When I see my three adult daughters (now 18, 20 and 22) and reflect on the family we have built and the relationships we have, I know the sacrifice was worthwhile. We are always told “women can do anything”, and of course they can, however no one can do “everything” and we all must make bold decisions and prioritise the things that are most precious.

Hannah Thompson (2020), Pamela, Tessa Thompson (2022), Andrew Thompson and Isabella Thompson (2024).

Having always had an interest in Women’s Health, I had the opportunity to nurture this by upskilling in the area of breast medicine. I have been working as a GP Breast Physician since 2013 and now enjoy a combination of public hospital work and private practice. A little more spare time this year has enabled me to dust off my violin and join a community orchestra!

I am forever grateful to St Hilda’s for an excellent education and the opportunities it provided to me (and my daughters) during our school years. My three daughters are also now St Hilda’s Old Scholars, my youngest having graduated last year!

We look forward to welcoming you to these upcoming events.

SOCIAL GOLF DAY
Date: Friday 7 November
Time: Arrive at 8.45am for 9.30am shotgun start – 2.00pm
Venue: Mosman Park Golf Course

CHRISTMAS SERVICE & END OF YEAR SUNDOWNER
Date: Monday 1 December
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: Whitby Chapel. Heritage Centre, Hope Nicholas House, for refreshments.

Please join us for the annual St Hilda’s OSA 2025 Social Golf and Lunch Day at the Mosman Park Golf Club on Friday 7 November.  Non OSA are most welcome to participate.

Arrive at 8.45am for 9.30am shotgun start – 9 Hole Elimination Ambrose (Golf Australia handicap preferred but not essential).

Date:  Friday 7 November

Ticket types:
Golf & Lunch – MPGC Full Member $50
Golf & Lunch – Non Member $75
Lunch Only $50

Contact: Jan McFarlane (Anderson, 1971) 17janmac@gmail.com.

Buy your tickets here

You are invited to join the OSA community to celebrate with us in a service of lessons and carols, from 6pm on Monday 1 December in St Hilda’s of Whitby Chapel.

Date: 1 December
Time: 6pm
Venue:  Whitby Chapel

We would love volunteers for readers or to participate in the service and please let Father Philip know if you are available.  The service will be supported by Tim Chapman on the organ / piano, and students from St Hilda’s choirs.

Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Heritage Centre, Hope Nicholas House.

No tickets are required for this event.

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Additionally, there will be a Christmas Eve Service in the Chapel on Wednesday 24 December and Father Philip is seeking your support:

The OSA Art Exhibition is a highlight of the year for the community and 2025 broke all the records!

A group of 33 talented artists exhibited a stunning selection of original artworks over three levels of the Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre. This year Opening Night tickets sold out with plenty keen to see the unveiling of works including paintings, wire sculpture, ceramics, tapestry and woven sculpture. The evening was a wonderful celebration of creativity with artists, visitors, live music from our talented student musicians, delicious canapes served by Community Service students, and many Old Scholar volunteers who supported the bar and the sales.

We were proud to have the wonderful works of two talented old Scholars exhibiting this year, Pippin Drysdale (1961) and Cy Rocchi (1986). We were also privileged to have 2025 Archibald finalist Rachel Coad and 2025 Lester Prize Emerging Portrait winner Sue Eva.

A special thank you to Vasse Felix for their generous donation of beautiful wines for Opening Night and to Jo Macnamara (Gibson, 1993) at Forage for the fabulous flowers. Also to the following generous donors for the terrific raffle prizes;

• Pippin Drysdale (Carew-Reid, 1961) who donated a stunning Porcelain Vessel, valued at $4,800.
• The Well, Cottesloe.
• Motion Lifestyle, Cottesloe and Subiaco.

The OSA Committee is grateful to all the volunteers behind the scenes; to the Committee members for supporting the event via sales, refreshments and the raffle, also to the St Hilda’s School Development Team for marketing support, the Facilities Team and Catering.

Most of all, sincere thanks to Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983) and Samantha Newall (Hamersley, 1993) for coordinating and curating a spectacular collection of artists and artworks.

The OSA Art Exhibition has established its place in the community calendar and continues to be a terrific annual fundraising event to support the OSA student scholarship, bursary and career accelerator programs.

The week of the OSA Art Exhibition began with a significant event, the 2025 OSA Ammonite Pin Presentation on Monday 15 September.  The lapel pin is given to the daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters of Old Scholars, and we were so pleased to present the pin to 37 students from Year 7, one from Year 9 and one from Year 10, in front of the whole school and their families.

This year the Pin Presentation was part of a whole school OSA Assembly and we are grateful to Sandra Naude and Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970) for their presentation on the history of the OSA which was founded as the Girls High School Association in 1913.

We are grateful to the keynote speaker, Joanna Millard (Hughes, 1999), who spoke graduated from St Hilda’s in 1999.  Joanna is currently the Executive Director of her family company, the John Hughes Group. She is an experienced executive and board member with foundations in law, commercial operations and corporate governance and strategic planning.  However, Joanna spoke about her formative years at St Hilda’s; her wonderful school year and, most significantly, the friends that she made and whom she has carried through her life.  Joanna is currently the Chair of Council at St Hilda’s and instrumental in shaping the future and building on the past and we are fortunate to have someone of such experience and personal affection for the School.  Joanna is also a mother of a current student and it was wonderful of her to share photographs of her time at School and afterwards.

After the OSA Pin Presentation Assembly we invited the visiting family members to reconnect and enjoy a light lunch in the Gallery of the Heritage Centre.

The annual OSA AGM took place on Tuesday 14 October in the Gallery of the Heritage Centre and we were joined by over 30 members of the OSA.

It was an opportunity to thank our outgoing OSA Committee Members; Vice President Yolande Dick (1986), Treasurer Alexandra Rogers (1986), and Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983), who joined the committee in 2011, which included three years as Vice President, three years as President, six years on St Hilda’s Council, and has been the creator and curator of the current OSA Art Exhibition.  We are enormously grateful to our volunteer committee members for their time and efforts in every aspect of managing the OSA and attending events and continuing to build the OSA Community.

Verity Burges (2001) is the new Vice President and OSA Representative on the School Council.  Michelle Broom (Marfleet, 1989) is the new Treasurer and will continue to work on the success of the Women Lifting Women Summit in 2026, with the next event being scheduled to celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 11 March.

Jodie McIntosh (Phillips, 1993), Isabelle Honey (2016), Sarah Battaglia (2012) and Teelia Peploe (1993) have also joined the OSA Committee.

Our coopted committee members are Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983), Alexandra Rogers (1986), Jane Barker (1986), Anu van Hattem (Palmoja, 1975), Kylie Jones (Morrison, 1986), Chloe Egan Martinez (2018), Cindy Kempton (1986), Alison Muir (1990), Chantal Mah (2015), Claudine Mah (2016), Kaitlen Rowney (2020), Beatrix Arundell (2020) and Sascha Hill (1985).

We welcome any of our Old Scholars who would like to participate in supporting a range of events either as Committee Members or Co-Opted Members who volunteer on an ad hoc basis. If you can share your time and expertise please contact the Alumni Coordinator on oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au.

On Thursday 16 October a group of Old Scholars gathered in New Norcia for a lovely day exploring the significant buildings and experiencing a glimpse into monastic life.

The weather was ideal and the group did a walking tour around the town with excellent tour guide, Jim, and learned about the history and architecture of New Norcia.

New Norcia was established in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks and is the only monastic town in Australia. It has had many purposes, including a mission, monastery, school and spiritual retreat. After the tour the group joined the monks in midday prayers and then enjoyed a monastery meal, which was a different, but very enjoyable country lunch!

Joey Seymour (Ladyman, 1991).

The 2025 CIGS OSA Team

Our huge thanks to Jan Grimoldby (1970) who was responsible for assembling the St Hilda’s Old Scholars team for the 2025 Combined Independent Girls Schools’ (CIGS) Golf Tournament on 22 September in glorious weather at the Royal Perth Golf Club. It was the 60th Year of this event which started in 1965 and was hosted by Penrhos College who gifted each participant a commemorative ball marker and tees.

The St Hilda’s team enjoying lunch after the tournament at the Royal Perth Golf Club.

The field size was a little down this year, with 108 players including 12 from St Hilda’s Old Scholars, playing six pairs in the Canadian Foursomes event.

While St Hilda’s came sixth out of the eight schools, only four points separated places 6-2 so it was a very tight match.  The runaway winner was Iona, who included in their field two recent graduates, both members of the Cottesloe Golf Club (CGC) and both of whom have initially developed their golf through the CGC Girls Get Into Golf program; and one of whom has chosen to develop a career in golf.  The CIGS Interschool golf event is strongly contested each year, with inter-school rivalry still taking a bow.

Sue Hill (Barrett-Lennard, 1967) and Nola Banfield (Richardson, 1970) won the prize for nearest to the pin!

The St Hildas stalwarts are in need of some new and younger players.  The Annual CIGS Golf competition is generally held in September/October.  It is a handicap event so participants don’t need to be highly competitive – just wildly enthusiastic.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in receiving the CIGS golf day information in future years, please email jangrimoldby@gmail.com or the oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au.

Class of 1980 in the Swan Valley.

What do you get when you mix 18 fabulous Old Girls, a sun-kissed Swan Valley Spring afternoon and a whole lot of laughter? A perfect recipe for joy!

Everyone gathered for an elegant Afternoon Tea & Spritzers. The host’s husbands stepped up as Spritzer Sommeliers and BBQ Maestros, keeping glasses full and taste buds happy with sizzling bites and refreshing drinks.  Daughters were enlisted to worked behind the scenes prepping and serving with style.  From dainty surf’n’turf to decadent strawberries and chocolate, the spread was as delightful as the company.

Stories flowed from long ago school days and boarding school antics.  Here’s to timeless friendships and delicious moments.

Michelle Popplewell (Pritchard,1980).

On Wednesday 15 October 2025 37 women from the year of 1965 cohort returned to St Hilda’s to celebrate 60 years since leaving school.

Back row: Robin Tapper (Porter), Kaye Regel (Taylor), Jenny Phillips (Burt), Helen Roberts, Susan Muir, Gay Thornton, Jean McKay. Second back row: Susan McGill (Loeper), Barbara Purvis (Pearse), Cynthia Bravo (Slater), Ann Wilson (Bruse), Robin Stewart (Gillett), Penny Van Ast (Cocks), Philippa Bundey (Hunt), Margot Roberts (Leonard), Mary Harris (Hollingsworth). Middle row: Susan Bessell-Browne, Marie Judges (Schruth), Jane Pearse (Fowler), Fiona Lee-Steere (Nattrass), Lysbeth Warren (Morrison), Margaret Davies-Slate (Collard). Second row: Rosemary Gray (Richardson), Alison Clifton, Tania Stadler (Linton), Susan James (Miller), Josephine Ahern (Johnson), Christina Henderson (Haigh). Front row: Margaret Seares (Edwards), Ruth Kempton (Taylor), Joy Williams (Hunt)

The day began with a Ceremony of Remembrance and Support conducted in the Whitby Chapel by Susan Bessell-Browne who is a retired civil celebrant together with Father Philip, the School Chaplain. The ceremony was to remember those who have died since leaving school and to mourn their passing as well as offering support to those who are struggling with illness at the moment or caring for loved ones who are unwell.

Margot Roberts (Leonard), Marie Judges (Schruth), Philippa Bundey (Hunt), Susan Bessell-Browne, Jane Pearse (Fowler), Christina Henderson (Haigh), Penny Van Ast (Cocks), Lysbeth Warren (Morrison), Gay Thornton, Tania Stadler (Linton), Margaret Davies-Slate (Collard), Jenny Phillips (Burt), Ann Wilson (Bruse), Rosemary Gray (Richardson), Ruth Kempton (Taylor), Mary Harris (Hollingsworth).

After enjoying morning tea in the Heritage Centre where they viewed photographs of their school years, many participated in a tour of the school. Then it was off to the Mosman Park Bowling Club for lunch and fellowship.

Jane Pearse (Fowler), Barbara Humphris (Higham), Margaret Davies-Slate (Collard), Jenny Phillips (Burt), Penny Van Ast (Cocks), Mary Harris (Hollingsworth), Ann Wilson (Bruse), Lysbeth Warren (Morrison), Marie Judges (Schruth), Margot Roberts (Leonard), Rosemary Gray (Richardson), Christina Henderson (Haigh), Susan Bessell-Browne, Tania Stadler (Linton), Gay Thornton, Ruth Kempton (Taylor), Philippa Bundey (Hunt).

Two days later 17 of the cohort and a few partners travelled down to Albany to continue the celebration. A full day bus excursion included a very enjoyable lunch at Gilbert’s Winery and a visit to the farm of Jane Cunningham (Henderson, 1995) and her husband Ian, for afternoon refreshments and a tour of the magnificent garden.

The last evening was a fun 60’s themed Cocktail Party at the home of Christina Henderson (Haigh) and her husband Keith.

Susanna Bessell-Browne (1965).

Date: Saturday 15 November 2025
Time & Venue: 4.30 – 6.00pm at the Heritage Centre & Tour of School
Next Venue:  From 6pm onwards Sampson’s Paddock, Glyde Street, Mosman Park.

Cost: $100 all inclusive (includes food and drinks)

RSVP by 15 October https://www.trybooking.com/DEDVL

Organisers:  Susie Neate (Hill), Sharni Murray (Tietzel) and Kerry Pallas

Date: Sunday 14 December 2025
Time & Venue: 4.00 – 6.00pm – Heritage Centre & Tour of School
Next Venue: From 6.00pm Sundowner at Mosman Park Bowls Club
Cost: $40 (includes one drink and food).
Booking Link: https://events.humanitix.com/st-hilda-s-class-of-2015-10-year-reunion

Organisers: Alexandra Finlay-Jones and Georgia Sturgeon

1969 House Prefects. Back L-R: Fiona (Billie) Hadfield (McTaggart), K Seabrook, Lee (Russell) Pepperell. Middle L-R: Caroline Annear (Egerton-Warburton), Ollie Campbell (Lundy), Jenny Lee (Maslen), Allison Bullock. Front L-R: Bronwyn Boultbee (Cullen), Caroline Fremlin (Brockman), Dianna Zimmerman (Dempster), Miss J Patman (Headmistress)

The Class of 1969 are invited for Casual Drinks

Date: 14 November 2025
Venue: 36 Gill Street, Mosman Park
Time: 5.30pm
RSVP: Trina Quinlan (Cameron) on  0414 667 480 or email 

quinlan.catriona@gmail.com

On Friday 12 September the new 2026 Prefects were voted in and took up their roles of responsibility. We take a look back at the history of prefects at St Hilda’s, starting in 1913. Prefects were first recorded in the 1913 Chronicle, listing six members: S Byass, M Moir, I Street, R Curtis, C Gaze, and E Rose.

The structure of six equal school leaders remained until 1930, when Florence Butcher was appointed Head Prefect. In 1932, with the introduction of houses, prefect roles expanded to include a head prefect and house captains for Blackwood, Gascoyne, and Fitzroy.

In 1971 a major change was made to the Year 12 prefect leadership structure when Principal Joanna Samson introduced the Student Representative Council (SRC).  The SRC replaced the prefect system and created the Executive Committee which included the position of a head girl, head boarder, sports captain, secretary and treasurer.

The body of the new council included house captains, and their vice-captains, three Junior School representatives, staff representatives and “floating” members from each form.  The concept removed the formal idea of prefects and gave every Upper Six girl responsibility as a senior.  The idea was that every student had the opportunity to actively contribute to running the school by adjusting rules, offering opinions, and generally trying to improve various aspects of school life.  And, since none of the Upper Six girls had been “pedestalled” as a prefect, the year group would be a closer cohort.

1972 School Executive. L-R Miss J Patman, Dinah Barrett-Lenard (Games Captain), Karen Phillimore (Secretary S.R.C.), Judy-Anne Maslen (Senior Boarder), Jacqueline Wood (Treasurer), Catherine Macaulay (Head Girl).

The initial report in the 1972 Chronicle recorded that: “It is obvious that such a system, used to its capacity, encourages responsibility in all years, participation and an active interest in school affairs, a sense of unity as a school and increased spirit. Without a doubt, this is desirable.” The report went on: “Unfortunately, however, this has not been so and the SRC has failed in many ways. Not due to lack of organisation or anything of the sort, but to a general lack of interest, support and co-operation from the whole School, from Lower Fours to Upper Sixes and staff.

“Unless the enthusiasm and support comes, there will be no point in having an SRC and a return to the prefect system seems the obvious step. This would limit the participation by all in school affairs,”

And further: “The SRC has fallen down because of lack of interest and support from the School at large. No one has the enthusiasm to use it to the greatest advantage. It has potential, but it has achieved nothing – not one original idea has been brought up. If it is not appreciated, it is a waste of time continuing with it. Better to form an Upper Six council to run the school and tighten discipline.”

It was a bold concept, but one to have a short life, and though the SRC struggled on for five more years, with tweaks and some improvement in student response, it was finally abandoned in 1977 when the familiar prefect structure was reinstated.

The prefect structure has continued, but in recent years, a student council was created with two representatives from each year level, appointed for a semester. They meet every third week to discuss pertinent issues, thus giving all students the opportunity to be heard.

We are very sorry to announce that the following Old Scholars have passed away.

23 March 1941 – 27 August 2025

Aileen was born in Malaysia to Jean and Bruce Hendrie, where Bruce managed an oil and palm estate. She had an older sister, Rhona Maycock (Hendrie, 1955 (died 2023)), and two brothers, Ian and Jamie.

She started her education at a local international school in Malaysia, then, aged ten she was sent back to Australia to attend Kobelia College in Katanning, where she learned to ride ponies.  At twelve Aileen moved to St Hilda’s where she and Rhona were day girls whilst living with their grandmother in Dalkeith.

Aileen enjoyed St Hilda’s and following graduation attended Graylands Teacher Training School where she specialised in primary and early childhood education. She returned to Malaysia to teach and there she met Arthur at a local rugby game. They married in Singapore in 1965, then moved to Australia in 1968 where they started a farm in Esperance.  They moved to Perth briefly but eventually they settled downsouth near to Bunbury where Aileen worked with disabled children and children with learning difficulties for the Pledge Project.

They had purchased a rural property in Margaret River on which they built their family house, with a dam and surrounded by fruit and nut trees, vegetables, grape vines, with bees and chickens, and lived there for 30 years.  Nothing went to waste – fruits turned into marmalades, jellies and dried fruits.  In retirement Aileen led a full and active life.

She was Arthur’s carer later in life and he died after 58 years together. They had two children, Fiona and David and were grandparents to Nathan, Adam, Josh, Alex, Haley and Lauchlan.  Aileen died peacefully, aged 84, surrounded by her family.

8 May 1925 – 17 October 2025

Judy Hayman (nee Dickson, 1942) passed away in the early hours of Friday 17 October in Adelaide, SA.  She was 100 years and 5 months old.

Judy was born on 8 May 1925 and was the second daughter to Robert and Edna Dickson, their eldest daughter being Joan Dickson (1937) who also attended St Hilda’s.  Both Joan and Judy were talented sportswomen excelling in athletics, swimming, hockey and tennis. Judy was awarded School colours in athletics and for deportment.

On 5 August 1950 Judy married Edward George Hayman, known as Ted, (died on 15 July 2022) an old scholar from Perth Modern School.  They had three sons, Robert, Geoffrey and Ken, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

In September, the 2026 School leaders were announced after a thorough process.  The new school prefects are as follows:

• Head Prefect: Scarlett Finlayson – Aunts and Cousins
• Deputy Head Prefect: Isabelle Annear – Grandmother Dianne Day (Lewis, 1958) 
• Academic Prefect: Jasmine Boyle – Mother Emily Camins (1996) 
• Arts Prefect: Layla Pitts
• Drama Prefect: Charlotte Shields – Mother Jo Shields (Holmes, 1993) and Great Grandmother Dorothy McLeod (Farrar, 1914)
• Head Boarder: Ava Clifton
• Music Prefect: Annabelle Bai
• Service Prefect: Grace Weaver
• Spirit Prefect: Esme Corcoran
• Sports Prefect: Indigo Banfield – Mother Gemma Banfield (Muller, 1993) and Grandmother Diane Banfield (Walker, 1963)
• Deputy Head Boarder:  April Armstrong
• Boarding Officials: Alyssa Latham, Eloise Bagshaw – Grandmother Elizabeth Bagshaw (Formby, 1963), Madeleine Fowler – Grandmother Jennifer Fowler (Boyle, 1969) and Great Grandmother Judy Ward (1940), and Pippa Radford.
• Blackwood Prefect: Jemima Noble – Mother Melissa Gillett (1990), Grandmother Susan Gillett (Wisbey, 1966), and Great Grandmother Osra Wisbey (Honorary Old Scholar)
• Blackwood Officials: Elizabeth Roost, Gabrielle Muir, Ivy Downes, Ruby Stevens and Stevie Sims.
• De Grey Prefect: Shirley Holmes a Court
• De Grey Officials: Anika Nguyen, Florence Thomson, Imogen Glew, Thea Akhlil, Tiffany Lynass.
• Fitzroy Prefect: Ruby Ball – Mother Nina Ball (Pyman, 1990)
• Fitzroy Officials: Abigail Pattison – Mother Rebecca Pattison (Driscoll, 1997), Grandmother Beverley Driscoll (Black, 1964) and Great Grandmother Wyn Muir (1929), Ally Wilshire, Charlotte Lee, Eliza Crossing – Mother Libby Crossing (Van Hazel, 1997), and Maymuna Ballal.
• Gascoyne Prefect: Isabella Smith
• Gascoyne Officials: Arlo Wilson – Mother Teelia Peploe (1993), Chanel Foti, Delta Cross, Scarlett Torre, Zara Spartalis.

We are proud to announce that St Hilda’s has been recognised as one of The Educator’s 5-Star Best Schools in Australia. We are especially proud to be one of only two schools in Western Australia to receive this honour. 

This recognition follows our recent success as a finalist for the Australian Education Awards in the category of Senior School of the Year (Non-Government). Together, these accolades highlight the strength of our educational offering and the shared commitment of our community to nurturing excellence.

The Educator’s 5-Star Best Schools initiative celebrates schools that redefine excellence in education and make a meaningful impact on student learning and wellbeing to create extraordinary educational experiences. Submissions were assessed against six pillars of educational excellence: innovative cocurricular programs, comprehensive student support, safety and wellbeing initiatives, technology in learning, diversity and inclusion, and holistic student development.

St Hilda’s was recognised for its holistic approach to education, blending academic excellence with cocurricular breadth, leadership opportunities, and strong wellbeing programs. Our commitment to personalised support ensures that every student is encouraged to reach her potential, while thoughtful use of technology helps prepare students for the future.

To be named among just 34 schools nationally, and one of only two in Western Australia, is a significant recognition of the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our families. Together, our community continues to nurture the values of Excellence, Belonging, Authenticity, and Imagination that define a St Hilda’s education.

To keep abreast of all job opportunities, please visit the website here.

The following roles are advertised.