OSA CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Scholars,

Welcome to our May edition of the OSA Connections newsletter.

Throughout the newsletter there are some lovely photos from our recent events, and information about our upcoming events.

Our Bridge and Mahjong Day was a wonderful event, and, as a committee, we so appreciate all of our Old Scholars and friends who attended, as it is one of our annual scholarship fundraising events. Thank you to Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983), Jane Barker (1986), Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970), Jill Binning (Mansel, 1960) and Victoria Parker (2016) and to our generous volunteers for making the day so enjoyable.

We hosted our Year Representative Evening and were treated to such an entertaining Heritage Talk by Sandra Naude and Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970) on the history of Arts Festival at St Hilda’s. Thank you to our Year Representatives for keeping our community informed and connected.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 10 May at the OSA Mother’s Day Bazaar 9am – 3pm. It will be a fun day with various activities, the St Hilda’s Boarder’s stall, OSA volunteer stalls, St Hilda’s Crochet Club, local vendors, as well as the Bay Cafe serving delicious treats. Find more information on the Bazaar 2025 below, and please sign up via the link to volunteer or donate items to assist us with this scholarship fundraising event.

Later in May, come and enjoy a drink and catch-up with some younger Old Scholars at the Hylin Back Bar in Leederville on Wednesday 21 May 5.30pm – 8pm. Please see details below.

Finally, a warm welcome to Michelle Broom (Marfleet, 1989) to the OSA committee and we look forward to working with you. The committee also farewells Bianca Dawson (2015) for the time being – thank you Bianca for your wonderful contribution to the OSA over the years.

Enjoy reading this edition, and we look forward to seeing many of our OSA members in 2025.

Best wishes,

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

The OSA Mother’s Day Bazaar is taking place on Saturday 10 May from 10am – 3pm, and is an important fundraiser for the OSA scholarships fund.  There will be stalls, Bay Cafe food, barista coffee, homemade crafts, flowers, Boarder’s produce, bric-a-brac and pre-loved clothes, a petting zoo and much more.  This year the Bazaar has moved to the Foyer of the Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre and visitors will be invited to enjoy the new Bay Cafe next door.

The St Hilda’s Crochet Club has also been working to create a beautiful array of everlasting and unique crochet bouquets.  These will be on sale at the Mother’s Day Bazaar and all proceeds from their stall will go the student’s community service charities.

The St Hilda’s Boarder’s Families are also great contributors to the event and they will have a stall selling fresh home harvested and homemade produce.

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School Tours

There will also be an opportunity to view the School as Admissions will be conducting interactive tours of the School with the help of Old Scholar members of staff.  Lara Clark (Sierakowski,1988) – Head of ESSTEAM, (Andrea Black (Shepherd, 1990) – Head of Music Department and Astor Dobson (2011) – Deputy Head of Science, will take prospective families through the School and give them a unique insight as to how the St Hilda’s has changed, and a look at the amazing facilities that are available to students today.

Kellie Hasluck, Director of School Development

Cakes Wanted

The Cake Stall has been a huge success over the years and we are calling on your support again for biscuits, cakes, tarts, quiches, rocky road and whatever baked delight takes your fancy (no cream please).

Packaging, plate and labels are available from Reception at Chidley and Bay View campuses, and the Wellness Centre from Tuesday 29 May.

Please label all ingredients (labels included) and drop off to the St Hilda’s Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre Kitchen on Friday 9 May (before Assembly) or bring to the Bazaar on Saturday 10 May.

Volunteers wanted

If you can spare time to help with the OSA Bazaar please sign up on the SIngUp Genius below:

St Hilda’s OSA Volunteer List: OSA Bazaar 2025

We hope to see you there.  Thank you for your support.

Jane Barker, OSA Committee

Date: Wednesday 21 May
Time: 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Hylin Back Bar

If you are from Class of 2016 or younger, please join the “younger” OSA for a free drink on your way home from work at the Back Bar Hylin (enter via rear of Hylin), 178 Railway Parade, West Leederville WA 6007.

We are open to applications for a Career Accelerator Award.

• Sunday 29 June – 4 July 2025
• Six-day residential course run by Scotch Global
• Cost $2,500 per person (including GST) – fully covered by the OSA Award.

The Career Accelerator is a six-day career immersion for ages 18 to 25 and is an amazing opportunity to develop workplace skills that employers are looking for, to establish key connections that could accelerate your career trajectory and learn to make the very best first impressions online and in person.

Full accommodation, meals, tuition, and transport are included.

If you would like to find out more see link below:

https://global.scotch.wa.edu.au/accelerate/programmes/career-accelerator

Or download an application from the OSA Webpage

https://www.sthildas.wa.edu.au/our-community/old-scholars/scholarships-and-awards

Closing date extended to Monday 12 May unless closed earlier.

Congratulations to Old Scholar, Emily Tsokos Purtill (1997), who has recently published her debut novel, Matia, a story that weaves together four generations of Greek women across three continents. Matia is inspired by Emily’s own heritage and family history and traditions.

Emily graduated from St Hilda’s in 1997, but in Year 10 she won the Tim Winton Award for young writers. She went on to study and practice law but has now returned to writing. Emily will be one of 30 professional old scholars who are returning to School to talk to the Years 10, 11 and 12 about their career pathways at the OSA Career Expo on Friday 20 June.

Thank you to all the OSA Career Mentors who have responded to our call out. As always, our Old Scholars bring a wealth of experience and encompass a huge variety of careers, and we are most grateful to those who have given up an afternoon to speak to the current students on Friday 20 June.

We are still looking for Old Scholars who have careers in software design/IT/coding and hospitality, the arts (visual or performing), or trades. If you feel you could share your career journey with our current students, please sign up below.

REGISTER HERE TO BE A 2025 OSA CAREER EXPO MENTOR

We look forward to welcoming as many Old Scholars as possible to these upcoming events.

OSA CROCHET WITH STUDENTS
Dates: Wednesdays, 7 May and 11 June
Time: 12.45pm – 2.00pm
Venue: OSA Sitting Room

MOTHER’S DAY BAZAAR
Date: Saturday 10 May
Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: Bay View campus

YOUNG OSA EVENING AT HYLIN BACK BAR
Date: Wednesday 21 May
Time: 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Hylin Back Bar, West Leederville

OLD SCHOLAR MENTOR CAREER EXPO
Date: Friday 20 June
Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Bay View campus

OSA COMMITTEE THANK YOU
Date: Friday 20 June
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Venue:  Heritage Centre, refreshments

NETWORKING SUMMIT (WOMEN LIFTING WOMEN)
Date:  Friday 8 August
Time:  TBC
Venue: TBC

70+ MORNING TEA
Date: Wednesday 13 August
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: School Hall

PIN PRESENTATION & LIGHT LUNCH
Date: Monday 15 September
Time: 12.20pm – 2.00pm
Venue: JSPAC followed by Heritage Centre

ART EXHIBITION OPENING NIGHT
Date: Thursday 18 September
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: JSPAC Foyer

ART EXHIBITION
Date: Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 September
Venue: JSPAC Foyer

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Date: Tuesday 14 October
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Heritage Centre

COUNTRY LUNCH
Date: Thursday 16 October
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Venue:  New Norcia (Details TBC)

CIGS GOLF DAY
Date: Monday 3 November
Time: 7.30am – 2.00pm
Venue: Royal Perth Golf Course

SOCIAL GOLF DAY
Date: Friday 7 November
Time: 7.30am – 2.00pm
Venue: Mosman Park Golf Course

CHRISTMAS SERVICE & END OF YEAR SUNDOWNER
Date: Monday 1 December
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Whitby Chapel. Heritage Centre for refreshments

On Wednesday 26 March, 64 ladies arrived on a warm Wednesday morning, with tables and velvet cloths under their arms, to play Bridge & Mahjong in the Gallery.  This is one of the most popular events in the annual calendar and is a chance for Old Scholars and their guests to enjoy the verandas and the curated Heritage Centre displays.

Thanks to Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983) for organising the overall event, and our wonderful volunteers for ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Old Scholar Dr Hannah Steel (2014) returned to St Hilda’s on Friday 2 May to talk about her career as a vet at the Chidley Mother’s Day celebrations and as part of the Girls Lifting Girls series of talks.

Hannah was featured in our last edition career profile, sharing insights on her work at a sanctuary in the heart of remote Cameroon, where she cares for 80 chimpanzees who are the victims of either habitat loss or illegal trade in exotic animal smuggling.

When in Cameroon, Hannah lives and works at a clinic where the facilities are basic and off-grid; no wifi or telephones, and Hannah has had to carry out some very complicated operations in isolation with only her assistants to support her using a head torch for light.

The Junior School girls were treated to a wonderful photo story of Hannah’s career pathway and will now have a much more ‘graphic’ understanding of how vets help animals.

Hannah also visited the Senior School science students to give them some insight into the life of a vet both in Australia and in conservation.

We are so grateful to Hannah for visiting St Hilda’s, from Tasmania, and for sharing her passion for veterinary work and stories of her wonderful chimpanzee friends.

On the eve of the 2025 Arts Day (congratulations to Blackwood for their 2025 Arts Festival win) it was appropriate to hear the history of St Hilda’s favourite day of the year.

Many thanks to Sandra Naude, Guardian of St Hilda’s Legacy, and to Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970), who have together compiled a history of the St Hilda’s Arts Day from its beginnings as Culture Day. Together they presented a photo history to the 35 OSA Year Representatives in the Heritage Centre on Thursday 10 April.

It was wonderful to see so many of our Year Representatives who play such an important role in conveying information to their year groups and organising reunions, and much more.

Sandra and Pam are now working on a new chapter – the history of discipline at St Hilda’s. If you have any stories or photographs, Sandra would love to hear from you.

The Class of 1995 returned to St Hilda’s for their 30th Reunion on Saturday 3 May and celebrated with a tour of the School followed by drinks at The Claremont Hotel. Over 60 registered for their milestone reunion of which over forty returned to School to reminisce and to see how St HIlda’s has updated its teaching spaces.

Thank you to School staff; Kellie Hasluck, Director of School Development and Philanthropy, Sandra Naude, Guardian of St Hilda’s Legacy, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Stewardship Manager and Lizzie Warburton, Almuni Coordinator, for assisting in organising the reunion, preparing the Class of 1995 photo slide show, and for taking the tours on a Saturday afternoon.

Prof Fiona Pixley (1974)

Dr Angela Burvil (2013)

Helen Walker, Head of Science, would like to thank Old Scholars Dr Angela Burvill (2013) and Professor Fiona Pixley (1974) for coming to St Hilda’s to talk to the Year 10 students about their careers, and potential career pathways during class time in April.

This is a new Year 10 elective specifically designed for students considering studying medicine. The students enjoyed the opportunity to pepper their guests with questions about their career pathway and university entry/experience.

Amber Stepatschuk (2022)

We also had a bonus visit from a recent Old Scholar Amber Stepatschuk (2022) who is currently studying 3rd Year Mechanical Engineering and Commerce at UWA and came as a volunteer with the GiE+ class (Girls in Engineering +) to run an incursion for our Year 10 Science and Engineering elective class.

Helen will be looking for more Old Scholars working in medicine, medical research or related fields later in the year

Class of 1955 – 70 Year Reunion

Date: Friday 15 August 2025
Time & Venue: 12.00 Lunch in the Heritage Centre, Bay View Campus

Organisers: Joan Newton (Coulsell) & Lenny McCall Rush (McCall)

Class of 1965 – 60 Year Reunion

Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025
Times & Venues:

10.00am Ceremony of Remembrance and Support in the School Chapel
10.30am Heritage Centre & Optional School Tour
12.00pm Lunch at Mosman Park Bowling Club

Organisers: Susanna Bessell-Browne

Please RSVP to Susanna by email: susanna@sbbenterprises.com

Class of 1985 – 40 Year Reunion

Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Times & Venues:
4.30 – 6.00pm  Heritage Centre & School Tour
6.00pm  Sundowner at The Claremont Hotel

Cost: $50 (includes canapes)

RSVP by Saturday 18 October   https://www.trybooking.com/CZLDN

Organisers:  Katie Gardner & Rowena Walsh (Keall)

Class of 2005 – 20 Year Reunion

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

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

Class of 2015 – 10 Year Reunion

Date: Sunday 14 December 2025
Time & Venue: 4.00 – 6.00pm – Heritage Centre & Tour of School / Sundowner at TBC
Next Venue: Sundowner at Mosman Park Bowls Club
Cost: $40 (includes 1 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

The early days of GHS Sports were filled with a variety of activities; swimming, tennis, hockey, lifesaving and the unique combination of drill and club swimming were among the initial sports offered.

ROWING

Margaret Manford (Parker, 1924) shared her memories of those early sporting days, “The girls swam in neck-to-knee, black woollen costumes in the Claremont baths at the bottom of the cliff.  They played tennis and hockey in mid-calf, long-sleeved white dresses ..”.

Sandra Naude

GENERAL SPORTS UNIFORM

The sports uniforms have changed dramatically over the years, becoming more specialised, and the range of sporting activities has also changed.  IGSSA now offers carnival and team sports; Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Rowing, Golf, Badminton, Netball, Hockey, Soccer, Softball, Waterpolo, Cricket.  In 2016 Golf was introduced, initially as port of the PSA Golf Competition at Royal Perth Golf Club, it has since evolved into a standalone IGSSA event.

The newest sport to be added to the IGSSA calendar is the AFL All-Stars, established in 2021.

We are very sad to announce the passing of the following Old Scholars:

20 June 1943 – 25 February 2025

Helen Cox (known as ‘Coxie’ to her classmates) died peacefully at home in Dawesville in late February.  Helen’s parents were Rocky and Jim Cox, and she was the younger sister of Jill Sefton (Cox, 1956), Lindsay (deceased) and Geoff Cox.  She was the loving mum of Sean and Julie and Nanna to Harrison.

Far Right: Helen Cox.

Helen was a career Nursing Sister who loved her work and her trees.  Helen had all her affairs in order, including who would look after/inherit her beloved trees, leaving her children and family bemused but loving her even more.

Helen was farewelled at a private family cremation, which was typical of Helen’s lifelong style of ‘no frills or furbelows’, and the Class of 1960 honours her memory as such and with great fondness.

09 May 1936 – 22 March 2025

Jill Cowan passed away peacefully on Saturday 22 March 2025 in Bridgetown.  She was the beloved mother of Jonathon and Benjie, sister and sister- in-law of Sandy and Jenny, Suzanne and Frank, Jim and Elizabeth.

Jill’s father was a farmer from Bridgetown and she arrived as a boarder at St Hilda’s in February 1950 where she became lifelong friends with the other boarders. At School she was the Secretary of the Fellowship, an interschool group consisting of boarders from fifth form upwards, who organised social events such as games, square dancing and suppers.

After school, at around 21 yrs of age, Jill sailed on HMS Centaur to Singapore and met an Irish officer.  They married and lived in Belfast for a number of years where they had 2 sons and a daughter.  Jill eventually settled back to Bridgetown, enjoying her garden, playing bridge and spending time with her children and grandchildren who followed her back to Western Australia.

She is remembered very fondly by her friends of a lifetime.

10 August 1943 – 21 April 2025

Diane leaves behind her partner Terry, daughters Jane, Jo-Anne, Peta and Sally.

Loved by family members Kelvin, Gordon, Craig, grandchildren Rachel and Marco, Kate and Marcus, Matthew and Ellari, Callum, Millie and Ben, Bonnie and Hayden, Ronan, Louisa and great granddaughter Ruth.

Diane entered St Hilda’s in July 1947 as a very local student living on Palmerston Street.  She showed a talent for sports particularly tennis and hockey.

1959 “A” Hockey Team. Back L-R: D Gugeri, S Loader, L Moore, P Maley, J MacPherson, W Gronow, G Clarkson. Front L-R: C Sudlow, G Clarkson, C Milner.

Diane participated in many interschool and interstate events for both sports. Her hockey “A” critique in 1959 read “Diane (Right Inner) has extremely good stickwork, ball control and determination, and could become a really outstanding hockey player. She always combined well with the other forwards, particularly in passing to and receiving from the right wing”. 

In 1959 Diane was slected as a member of the Wilson Cup team which competed in Adelaide before going to Brisbane to play in the Australian Championships.  The 1959 Chronicle reads: “St Hilda’s, in expressing its congratulations, would like Diane to know how much we appreciate the honour to the School”.

Leaving a gift in your Will is a simple way to make a lasting impact.

As someone who has committed to making a bequest, you are acknowledged as a Custodian of St Hilda’s and become a member of the Offer Society. Bequests of any size are welcomed and appreciated.

If you’d like to join other Custodians in making a bequest, please contact the School Development team at philanthropy@sthildas.wa.edu.au or by phone on 08 9285 4229. You may hear from us inviting you to learn more.  We thank you for taking our call.

Niamh Fitzpatrick, Stewardship Manager

The School will commence its Annual Giving Campaign, ‘Take Your Seat’, this month.  St Hilda’s would like to thank the many Old Scholars who give regularly each year. 

This year we are committed to supporting the Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre (JSPAC). This beautiful building is now 13 years old and as the cultural heart of the School, serves as a hub for student assemblies, concerts and productions, as well as hosting numerous OSA and community events.  

Sophisticated venues such as this need to be kept in premium condition, including regular updating of sound and lighting systems and other key equipment. To preserve this space we encourage you to make a lasting impact and secure a seat in your name or your family’s name. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation and ‘Take Your Seat’ we invite you to donate before the end of the financial year. 

Click here to donate and ‘Take Your Seat

Elevate offers great opportunities for Old Scholars who might be considering a change in career or to hone their skills and qualifications by taking up further studies in STEM subjects.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) programs are designed to build diversity and equity of access and opportunity across the STEM study and career ecosystem, to build a thriving and inclusive sector, through school, university and beyond.

Australia needs 100,000 digitally skilled workers and 40,000 engineers in the next two years.  Decisive action is needed to attract and retain the workforce Australia needs to become a STEM-empowered force on the global stage.

Elevate aims to address inequities in STEM through comprehensive scholarships enabling more diverse women and non-binary people to access tertiary STEM education, professional skills development and STEM leadership opportunities with industry and academia.

Click here for more information on a variety of awards and scholarships that are available.

Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM

Seaview Community Kindergarten in Cottesloe is celebrating its 80th anniversary and would like to connect with previous students and alumni for an event in November 2025.

Please send your contact details to alumni@seaviewkindy.com.au.

Kind regards,
Jacqui Rowell (2004)

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

• Currently there are no vacancies at St Hilda’s.