OSA CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER

Dear Old Scholars,

Welcome to our June edition of the OSA Connections newsletter.

On behalf of the OSA Committee I would like to thank all of the volunteers and stall holders, that made our Mother’s Day Bazaar such an enjoyable and popular St Hilda’s community event. A special thank you to the organisers Jane Barker (1986), Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983), and the OSA Events Subcommittee, it truly was a great team effort. Please enjoy some of the highlights of the wonderful day in the article below.

Congratulations to Old Scholars Holly Fraser (2022) and Amber Stepatschuk (2022) on each receiving the 2025 Career Accelerator Programme Scholarship. Many thanks to Katrina Chalmers (Black, 1985) for her work in initiating this wonderful opportunity for our OSA members.

Congratulations to Hadley Wilson, granddaughter of Julie Wilson (1971), who has been awarded the OSA Scholarship for Year 7 2026 entry.

This year we have an exciting new event, the Women Lifting Women Networking Summit, being held on Wednesday 6 August at the Euroz Hartleys Head Office and featuring some talented Old Scholars and industry specialists. Please read on for more information and to book your attendance.

We look forward to seeing many Old Scholars at our upcoming OSA Career Expo this Friday.

致以最美好的祝愿、

阿曼达-伯特博士（科德，1989 年）
President of the GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association

If you’re currently studying at University or taking a gap year, join us at the OSA Career Expo. With 27 professionals speaking about a wide range of careers, this will be an informative afternoon designed to get you thinking about your next career or study move.

Join our Year 10 to 12 students on Friday 20 June from 1.45pm to 3.20pm in various locations on the Bay View campus. Old Scholars are welcomed to join us at the end of the event for networking.

The career sessions include:

• Law
• Finance
• Arts
• Medicine
• Marketing Communications &  Media
• Engineering / Mining
• Allied Health
• Teaching / Academia
• Emergency services
• Viticulture

If you would like to read who is speaking and the careers that are being discussed, please click on the link to the 2025 program.

OSA Career Expo 2025 Program

If you would like to attend, please drop an email to oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au.

If you’re looking to take the next leap, pivot or re-ignite your career, register now for this exciting new summit.  Speakers will dive into topics such as financial planning, career mapping, work-life balance and leadership.

The inaugural Women Lifting Women Summit is being presented by the Old Scholars Association and St Hilda’s in August. Designed by career women for career women, this alumni-exclusive event is sure to inspire you.

• Lizzie Landels (2002), Director and Chief of Staff, Microsoft – Keynote Speaker
• Julie Colvin (Stephen, 1989), Managing Partner, Derwent Recruitment – Know your Worth
• Amanda Boyce, Head of Advice at Euroz Hartleys – Establishing Financial Security
• 菲奥娜-约翰斯顿, Principal at St Hilda’s – Leaning into Leadership

Look out for an email that will arrive shortly with more information about this summit and will include a link to the program so you can read about our talented speakers.

时间:   4pm to 7pm, Thursday 6 August 2025

会议地点: Euroz Hartleys, Level 37 QV1, 250 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Cost:   $50 including post-summit function.

Register here:

Judith Uren was St Hilda’s first graduate to study engineering, leaving UWA with a Civil Engineering Degree, and the only woman in her year to finish the course.

Women in Engineering promotional Poster 1989 featuring Judith.

Throughout her career Judith’s experience has been varied and exciting, whilst successfully balancing motherhood with an engineering career.  Engineers solve problems by using logic and exploring ideas.

Judith predominantly worked with consultancies in the areas of bridge and infrastructure design, with roles taking her to London, Hong Kong and all-around Australia. She was also involved in the design of several of the bridges built in Perth in the 80s and 90s and was the lead designer for the Windan Bridge taking Graham Farmer Freeway over the Swan River.

Women’s Weekly article from 1988 featuring Judith.

In the mid 1990s Judith was offered an Executive Directorship for which organisational and communication skills were important, as was business development and commercial acumen.  The technical knowledge that she had acquired and the specialised team of engineers with whom she worked provided her with confidence and direction for many of the challenging projects that her company took on.

In contrast to her earlier work life whilst coping with three small children, the Company had an inclusive working environment, focussing on the personal and professional development of all staff. “This is what I loved the most and would be rewarded by the growth of the individuals within the team.”  Staff enjoyed flexible employment conditions and were accommodated to maintain a work life balance.  From experience Judith realised it is important to accommodate different situations for different people.

Since then Judith has fulfilled several director roles including with the Pilbara Ports Authority and other engineering consultancies. Her board roles encompass governance, risk and strategy with the focus being on ensuring that correct decisions are being made by the CEO and the Executive on behalf of the company, shareholders and stakeholders.

She now runs her own practice and contributes back to the profession through voluntary involvement with industry bodies and supporting women in the profession through formal mentorships with NAWIC, CCF and UWA and St Hilda’s Alumni.

Judith is so fortunate to have chosen engineering as a profession particularly as it has provided her with so many opportunities along the way – initially in a technical role, then the management of people and teams, leadership in company growth during the boom, and now in governance and oversight on Boards. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the constant learning environment and the challenges of problem solving and being part of innovative outcomes. This has been both rewarding and satisfying.”

Judith says, “Engineers are practical down-to-earth people, and I am so lucky to have had such supportive colleagues through my working career and have endeavoured to provide opportunities to others where I have been able.”

When asked about the barriers she faced Judith acknowledges that being in a male dominated profession meant her abilities were sometimes called into question. She grew tough and it pushed her to excel. Times have changed and attitudes have shifted since then, and there is now a higher value placed on softer skills and there is far more consideration for work life balance.

Whilst upholding a successful career, family has always been important to Judith. She has one son and two daughters (Madeline Nazareth (Sansom, 2007), and Jacquline Sansom (2005)) who she is extremely proud of, and also four gorgeous grandchildren.

Judith’s advice to women today is to “Do the things that you are good at and build confidence. And don’t be too hard on yourself. You learn the most when you make mistakes.”

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

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

WOMEN LIFTING WOMEN CAREER SUMMIT
Date:  Wednesday 6 August
Time:  4.00pm
Venue: Euroz Hartleys, Level 37 QV1, 250 St Georges Terrace, Perth

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

The OSA Mother’s Day Bazaar took place on Saturday 10 May from 10am – 3pm, and was bathed in autumn sunlight all day.  It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, of all ages, and see the wider school community support the event.

There are very many thanks due to each of the volunteers who gave their time in preparation for the day, and on the day.  From the Committee members, through to the Boarding families, staff and the students who supported the event through their community service hours.

The event was largely moved into the PAC Foyer this year where the stalls were bathed in natural light and the staff at Bay Cafe were kept busy all day.  At one point Barry the goat, escaped from the Kids Zone, but he was soon caught and returned to his pen.

Visitors were also entertained by our talented student singers, thank you to Andrea Black (Shepherd, 1990) for arranging.  There was also a guided tour through the Heritage Centre and a heritage quiz written by Pam Casellas (Greenway, 1970). The Bazaar was also a great introduction to prospective new families who were given tours from the Admissions teams through the School classrooms, with key members of staff.

The Bazaar is an important fundraiser for OSA Scholarships and thank you to everyone who contributed and who visited us on the day.

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)

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

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

费用: $50 (includes canapes)

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

Organisers:  Katie Gardner & Rowena Walsh (Keall)

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

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

Class of 1980 – 45 Year Reunion

Date: Saturday 20 September 2025
Time & Venue: 2pm – 5.30pm
Next Venue: “Spring in the Swan Valley”, 16 Bordeaux Lane, The Vines
Cost: $35 Afternoon Tea and Spritzers
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DBUOG

FACEBOOK Event link – https://fb.me/1WLYNsAHjqt9Z2F

Organisers:  Michelle Popplewell (Pritchard) & Joanne Connor (Robinson)

The 2025 School Production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, opened on Friday 13 June but the history of performance at St Hilda’s goes back to the early days.

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

3 August 1931 – 6 May 2025

Jocey sadly passed away peacefully on 6 May with Andy holding her hand. Her beautiful smile, positive attitude and sense of humour will be missed by many.

Slazenger Cup Team 1949  Jocelyn Orr (left) and Ivemae Watters in 1949

1949 Hockey Team. Back Row: S McRae, A Brown, B de Bruyn, P Packham, A Russell, C Simpson Front: A Clarke, S Taylor, J Orr (Capt), M Freer, F Egerton-Warburton

Jocelyn attended St Hilda’s along with her two sisters Judy Douglas (Orr, 1947) and Philippa Orr (deceased, 1952).

She was a talented sports woman and was in the school teams for tennis, hockey and softball.  Jocelyn was the Tennis Captain of the winning Slazenger Cup Team in 1949.  She was also the House Captain for Blackwood.

11 November 1945 – 12 May 2025

Elizabeth grew up on her family farm in Gnowangerup before boarding at Helena College and later St Hilda’s School.  She completed her schooling with the Class of 1963 and married James Bagshaw in 1969.  Elizabeth and Jim had four children; the three daughters, Gemma (1989), Rachel (1994) and Zoe (1998), all boarded at St Hilda’s. Granddaughters Isabella Aird (2015), Annie Aird (2016) and current year 11 student, Eloise Bagshaw, have also attended the school.

1962 Open A Hockey team – Back row (L-R) C. Jones, J. Bond, M. Day, F. Stanley, M. Williams, P. Aird.  

Front row (L-R) E. Formby, E. Hindle, P. O’Halloran (Capt.), B. Hanning, R. Maughan.

From the Class of 1963: Lib was much loved by all our year, especially her boarder mates. She was fun to be with and was a loyal and trusted friend. She enjoyed her sport and represented the school in hockey and softball. We will miss her smiling face and sense of fun. May she rest in peace.

12 February 1939 – 18 May 2025

Starting School in 1947, aged six years old, Diana Smith was the youngest boarder at St Hilda’s and a blazer had to be made specially for her because she was so tiny. Her sister Deirdre Lynn (Smith, 1954) was in the year above her.  Unfortunately Diana had to leave School at 14 due to family circumstances.

Diana then worked as a dental nurse before becoming an air hostess with Ansett, based in Adelaide and then Melbourne.  Diana flew for six years and crewed on the first Boeing 727 service. During this time Diana joined the Adelaide Soaring Club and qualified as a glider pilot.  Whilst working for Ansett Diana met her husband Bill Booth, who was a pilot. They had two sons, Tim & David. After 27 years away, Diana and Bill returned to Perth at the end of 1983, and their sons attended Hale School. 

Later in life, Diana was unhappy that circumstances had forced her to finish at her “beloved St Hilda’s” at 14 and, in her late 50s, she went back to study and completed her TEE.

1948 – 6 June 2025

It is with great sadness the class of 1966 say goodbye to their much loved member Sandy Hohnen (McHenry). Sandy left us suddenly on the 6 June 2025, which was a big shock to her family, friends and the community of Margaret River. Sandy is remembered by her School friends as fun loving and an accomplished horse rider, she competed at the Royal Show while she was at school .

Sandy worked hard raising her family and helping her husband David a pioneer of the wine industry. They established the Cape Mentelle Winery in the late 70s and 80s.  Sandy was always very passionate about preserving the natural beauty of the area.

1939 -16 April 2025

We were notified this week that Gay Gorton passed away peacefully on 16 April, aged 88. Gay was the devoted wife of Terence (deceased) and much loved mother of Johanne, Russell and Andrew. Mother-in-law, Granny, Great-Granny, family and friend to many and greatly missed by all.

This year we are launching the ‘Take Your Seat’ Annual Giving campaign which focuses on raising funds to support the maintenance of the Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre (JSPAC). This incredible building is a legacy to past principal, Joy Shepherd, and her vision that was shared with School Council and Foundation at the time. Through their tireless planning and hard work, together with the community’s generous support, including a transformational bequest from Shirley Offer, and the Forrest family, the JSPAC was opened in 2012.

The JSPAC is often considered to be the cultural heart of the School; a hub that caters for student assemblies, Drama, Dance and Music performances, as well as OSA and community events. The space also hosts numerous external events throughout the year and is widely regarding as one of Perth’s premier theatres. Old Scholar, Clare Hughes (2018) and star of ABC’s TV series ‘Ladies in Black’, spoke to the School recently, commenting that she viewed the JSPAC as a world-class building and that after being on stage at St Hilda’s, ‘every other theatre I’ve been in since has felt underwhelming’.

After 13 years, our jewel in the crown is starting to need some significant attention. The costs associated with replacing sound and lighting equipment, rigging and other equipment as well as maintaining a building of this calibre are not insignificant, and our focus is on keeping this asset thriving. To that end, we encourage you to donate and secure a seat in your name or your family’s name. The JSPAC has acted as a launchpad for countless creative careers and is a space where memories are made. It provides students with invaluable opportunities to watch and take part in Music, Dance and Drama performances, develop their public speaking skills and shine on stage. Join us in maintaining this vital space and ensuring its continued impact on future generations of St Hilda’s students.

If you would like to explore other ways in which you can make an impact through giving, such as needs-based bursaries or future capital works, please feel free to reach out to the School Development Team, philanthropy@sthildas.wa.edu.au who can have a confidential conversation with you at any time.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation and ‘请就座’ we invite you to donate before the end of the financial year. 

点击 这里 to donate and ‘请就座

On Friday 13 June the curtain lifted on the St Hilda’s Dance, Drama and Music Departments’ 2025 Production, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  More than 60 students were involved onstage, in the orchestra pit and backstage, as well as many volunteer parents and staff.

The production was a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to create something joyful and meaningful and was hugely enjoyed by packed audiences.  Audiences were treated to a spectacle of song and dance, music and staging – “a world of pure imagination” as Dahl’s whimsical, heartwarming and thought-provoking story were brought to life.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

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

There are currently four positions available.

• ESSTEAM Lead Practitioner.
• Physics Teacher.
• Director of Human Resources, Legal & Risk.
• Digital and Social Marketing Coordinator.