Siobhan Cotchin Esther Gauntlett (2006) Pauline Kuriata (1988) Katie Basso (2017) - Perth College
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Myalla
OFFICI A L JOUR N A L
2 0 2 0 E DI T ION PE R T H COLLEGE OLD GIR L S ' A S S OCI AT I ON
WITH FEATURES FROM
Esther Gauntlett (2006)
Pauline Kuriata (1988)
Katie Basso (2017)
Siobhan
COVER STORY
Cotchin
(2017) releases her first single
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANNIE HARVEY
FONDLY REMEMBERING
Betty (Ellis) Ahern (1934)
FROM THE EDITOR
Old Girls' Association 2020 Commitee
Staying PRESIDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
Connected
STEPHANIE (JENNINGS) FULLARTON (1979) JANE SCOTT (1975)
VICE PRESIDENT FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE
LINDA (MEYERS) HYLAND (1968) ANGEL CHEN (2008)
SECRETARY MYALLA EDITOR
I’m sure all of us are breathing a sigh of relief with Hang on to your PC hats… the first story is from 2006 Leaver
coronavirus restrictions finally lifting. Australia, particularly Esther Gauntlett. She’s safely back in Perth, but not before KATRINA (PORT) HARRISON (1988) MIGNON (HENNE) STEWART (1988)
the lucky West, appears to have controlled the virus for now, a heart breaking ordeal to get the hell out of her home,
but while things return to some kind of normalcy, I still fear New York City where more than 20,000 people have TREASURER COMMITTEE
we won’t ever go back to our pre-pandemic past. Oh those perished with the virus. ELIZA JAMIESON (2008) MEGHAN (PEPPER) FRANZINELLI (2006)
were the days my friend! MALINDA BLAIR (1996)
On a much brighter note, it was a pleasure to interview fellow
Surely our lives have irrevocably changed and how can we 1988 Leaver Pauline Kuriata. Unlike many, she didn’t enjoy BURSARY TRUSTEES LESLEY (DUNSTAN) KEEN (1958)
really rest until there’s a vaccine for the virus? Also, we’re boarding school, and that’s OK! Now, as a Police Officer, she’s DENISE (JONES) HALL (1979)
PRESIDENT, TREASURER
still indefinitely separated from loved ones interstate and found her ‘family’. Speaking of women in uniform, I had a
AND FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE
overseas… some who are in countries that continue to be terrific talk with Old Girl Katie Basso (2017). Watch this space,
ravaged by the pandemic. I’m in one of those. she’s on her way to fly straight through the aviation glass ceiling!
I’m writing this from my home in Washington D.C. where In this issue we also shine a light on the athletes amongst us,
I moved three years ago with my husband, the U.S.
Correspondent for The Australian newspaper. We’ve loved
those with fabulous artistic endeavours, the academics and
so many more.
Young Old Girls' Advisory COMMITTEE
the posting… doing the expat thing of making fast and
fabulous friends and going on grand adventures. Now
Sadly we say farewell to one of our oldest Old Girls. What an (YOGA) Sub Committee ELLY ZOUNIS (2013)
STEPH MUNRO (2012)
incredible life 1934 Leaver Betty (Ellis) Ahern had. CAITLIN DI STEFANO (2012)
however, with our son, we’re under a strict ‘stay home and
shelter’ order, only daring to leave our house to walk our Is it just me, or do beautiful photos of young brides make GRACE HUXTABLE (2010)
COORDINATOR TANYA MOON (2011)
beloved labrador. you feel happy and hopeful. We also have other photos that’ll
make you smile, check out the beaming faces from the 2020 JADE GUERRINI (2016) BRIANNA DI STEFANO (2013)
What’s impressed upon me most though is our need, CHARLOTTE ETHELL (2010)
Vintage reunion. They really are beautiful.
the world’s need, to stay connected. Thank goodness for CHLOE SMOLENSKI (2016)
technology (and the odd gin and tonic!) Unfortunately many events were cancelled or postponed
TAYLOR BLOTT (2009)
in the past few months due to the virus, but the Old Girls’
We went into lock-down in March, on Friday the 13th as HEATHER GROTH (2012)
Association hasn’t skipped a beat. The ladies have been busy
luck would have it! Since then I’ve communicated with loved ANGEL CHEN (2008)
contacting our older Old Girls, creating online webinars and
ones more than before the pandemic! I’ve ‘Zoomed’ with MELISSA SETTINERI (2009)
organising a full calendar of events that’ll go ahead as soon
friends across the globe, I’ve Face-Timed with cousins, I’ve
as it’s safe, so stay tuned.
encouraged (OK, ordered) my son to email and write to his
grandparents, I’ve ‘Instagrammed’ buddies… I’m even being In the meantime, a special acknowledgement to all the
generous with my random ‘likes’ on social media! As trivial as Old Girls who have been working on the frontline during
that sounds, it’s all a way of ‘reaching out’ and it feels good. this extraordinary time. COVID ANNOUNCEMENT
Actually, it feels essential. Thank you so very much.
As 2020 has been a unique year, we have created this stunning 2020 Edition of Myalla to stay connected to our
So, as the new Editor of the Myalla, I’m keen to keep
1988 LEAVER MIGNON STEWART (NEE HENNE) OGA community. This will be the only Myalla for 2020, however we will endeavour to stay in touch and to invite
that communication momentum strong, and I’m rapt to
our OGA community to upcoming events as COVID-19 restrictions ease in Perth.
introduce a new section, ‘The Kangaroo Route’, exploring
the lives of Old Girls overseas... a broad abroad if you like! Term 3 will see the return of some OGA events and reunions, which will proceed with caution and potentially run
After all, the PC community is not confined by the Mount a little differently to ensure the safety of our Old Girls.
Lawley postcode. I think the timing is perfect because as an
Invitations will be sent out once details are confirmed. However, to enable more effective communications, we would
expat, I’ve never felt so far away. I feel very ‘stuck’ with the
love all Old Girls to provide a phone and email contact if possible, as it will enable us to update you all more regularly.
Australian border closed and flights grounded, and I know
I’m not alone. Please update us via phone +61 (8) 9471 2100, or email myalla@pc.wa.edu.au.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 3
THE KANGAROO ROUTE
If you think it’s been hard handling the coronavirus from the
comfort of Australia, spare a thought for 2006 Leaver Esther
Gauntlett who found herself in the middle of the crisis in her
beloved home of New York City (NYC).
Esther Gauntlett
Esther moved to the Big Apple in 2013 after winning a green card in the lottery. She arrived
with nothing, but fast forward seven years, and she had to leave everything… scrambling to get
the very last QANTAS flight out of the city teeming with the virus. So far, it’s claimed more than
20,000 lives in New York City alone.
Esther had been thriving in her new homeland, even finding time outside her successful fashion
business to get involved in the US Election campaign. But now, the 30 year old has had to move
back in with Mum and Dad, and has too much time to reflect on all she’s left behind… her work, ABOVE: ESTHER’S LAST FASHION SHOW IN NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 2019
LEFT: ESTHER AND HER BOYFRIEND ARRIVING IN PERTH IN APRIL 2020
her home, even her cat, Flipper!
When did you attend PC fashion. Initially I didn’t have much of a it’s all a little up in the air now though. I clearly remember the day it all started for him and a night spent at the airport Are there any positives to
plan. I had very limited savings and no I’d also spent the first part of 2020 becoming real – Wednesday 11 March. hotel before we got on the last QANTAS
and did you enjoy school? come from this experience?
job lined up, but I was committed to stay working with the campaign of (the then I was watching a basketball game at my flight out of NYC, and no real idea when
I was at PC Years 8 to 12, graduating in Being forced to slow down is a positive.
at least a year. Democrat presidential candidate) Bernie home in Brooklyn and they called it off we’d be coming back.
2006. I had a great time at school. I had The pace of life in NYC can be very
Sanders and had travelled around the right before it was about to start and
lots of teachers I loved dearly and an
How was NYC when you States canvassing for him. That really sent the whole crowd home. Everything What did you leave behind overwhelming and you don’t really
amazing group of friends who I am still realise until you have a moment away.
close with today. A favourite memory
arrived - were you enjoying it? opened my eyes to a part of America seemed really panicked and it felt in New York?
I hadn’t been exposed to - and the surreal to see it play-out on live TV. By I’m grateful to be able to spend time
is being a ‘house mascot’ for Bedford I was pretty naive going in and it was So much! My apartment, my cat,
conversations I had with people In New Friday everyone I knew was working with my family and old friends after not
with my friend Liz Walker (2006) for the certainly hard but I loved it from ALL my winter clothes, my amazing
Hampshire and South Carolina gave me remotely. I did a big shop and I didn’t having lived in Perth for 10 years.
Athletics Carnival (we were leprechauns!) day one. I got an internship with the friends, my whole business. I have
so much hope for the year ahead. really leave my apartment again. We
American fashion brand Eckhaus Latta someone staying there and looking
know now the virus had been spreading Did your time at PC arm you
What further study did and through that I met an incredible
When did you first hear in NYC much earlier than that, so I feel
after everything, but I miss New York
with anything that helped
you do after school? creative community, and amazing and everything there so much.
friends. I worked with them for a year, about the Coronavirus? very lucky to be healthy. Some friends you get through this ordeal?
I initially went to UWA to study Arts / have had mild versions of it.
freelanced a little and then started I was actually following it pretty closely How is it going in Perth now? My friendship group of girls are my
Law but ended up in Melbourne at RMIT
my own brand with friends, ‘Gauntlett as I had tickets to come to Perth for a I already had plans to come home with It’s interesting! We’re staying with my absolute support system! I feel like my
where I completed a Bachelor of Design
Cheng’. I moved to New York City with holiday in late March, via Korea. I was my boyfriend but my original flights parents which is an adjustment but time at school gave a me a confidence
with Honours so I could pursue fashion
my then boyfriend, but have been with watching numbers change and thinking were cancelled, so we began looking for very much enjoying the beach and the to go over and give it a shot, and I’m very
design. I entered the green card lottery
my new boyfriend who’s from Chicago about my travel plans, but I had no idea other ways to get to Perth - we thought space - two weeks inside in NYC made proud of what I built there. My parents
in my final year of uni and found out
for around five years now. how much everything would change and it would be a nicer environment than me realize how lucky we are here in hate this, but I really can’t wait to get back.
I had won just a few months before I
how quickly. our apartment to spend a few weeks WA. Hopefully we will try and get back
finished my degree. I was on a plane to
What goals were you inside. The reality of us staying in Perth to America in the next six months, but
NYC before graduation!
pursuing in New York How long until you took for much longer didn’t seem to hit it feels very up in the air. I also don’t
When and why did you and were you on track? the virus seriously and until the travel ban came into effect really know what New York will be like We think Esther’s come a long
ultimately, make the two days before we were meant to fly when we do get back. Will my favorite
move to New York? I’d had my label for six years and was way from being a leprechaun
out, meaning that my boyfriend wasn’t
really enjoying it. The last season we decision to leave New York? restaurants still exist? Will my business
house mascot! All the best
I moved at the end of 2013, and I was allowed entry into Australia. There was a still exist? Will everyone I know be ok?
did was by far our most successful and Esther and thank you for
hoping to find some sort of work in huge rush to get an emergency visa
I felt really excited about our future -
sharing your story. xx.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 5
REFLECTIONS OF AN OLD GIRL
Pauline Kuriata didn’t take the conventional path either at
school or after school. This farm girl had a spring in her step
and a different journey ahead before she settled into what she
fondly calls ‘the blue family’.
Pauline Kuriata's
rewarding career
in uniform
SENIOR CONSTABLE 'POPS' IN UNIFORM
‘Pops’ as everyone calls her, was raised with her two big brothers on the family farm in Hyden
(famous for the impressive ‘Wave Rock’). She loved the country life and was not ready to be
separated from her folks or the farm when it came time to attend secondary school in the city.
It’s fair to say, this 1988 Leaver didn’t like boarding school one bit!
It was a hard start for the shy country girl, but with family support and a good dollop of domestic violence or children from and drug overdoses to name a few OK, one for the curiosity
determination on her part, Pops joined the WA Police Academy at the age of 32 and is now a neglect and abuse. and then dealing with the distraught
in all of us… have you ever
Senior Constable. families can be extremely emotional and
elping people when they’re in the
H fired your gun?
draining. But as Police, we need to show
depths of despair, and seeing the
What were your first I met my best friend at school though Is it harder for women compassion, empathy and support to I have never fired my gun, only at re-
so it wasn’t all bad! I also loved Mrs C’s desperation and helplessness in their
impressions when you to be in the Force? eyes, and the relief when they see you,
help guide the families through the qualification each year. I’ve had to pull it
cheesy bread from the canteen. out a couple of times and my heart was
walked into the Boarding I think it was harder for women in the is very satisfying. I also find it rewarding
Coronial process.
racing. I think it’d be every coppers worst
House for the first time? When did you start thinking past but it’s definitely improving and to see people turn their lives around.
Would you recommend the nightmare to actually have to use it.
Very daunting, as a 12 year old girl, about becoming a Police since 2009 when I re-joined, the Force
has become a lot more contemporary. How tough can it get… job to other women?
fresh off the farm and very naive, I was Officer?
nervous. Seeing the dorm and the It is still very male orientated, but women physically and emotionally? I would definitely recommend it to
Probably around the age of 27, five years are getting better opportunities and women, no matter what age you are.
beds all in a row and a little room at It can get tough physically, mentally
before I actually joined. I wasn’t enjoying there are more women in higher ranks. I was 32 when I entered the Academy
the end of your bed with a curtain! The and emotionally. I did three years at the Here’s hoping you never do
the sales work I’d been doing since and I had a 52 year old in my squad!
furniture was old and I know my Mum There are around 6000 Police Officers Organised Crime Squad (Drug Squad)
school and wanted a more rewarding Looking back, I wish I had joined in my have to use your gun Pops.
was putting on a brave face. Funny what in WA and women make up about and doing long days, wearing your rig
career where I could help people and twenties. There are so many different
you remember, but I recall Mum pulling
hopefully do some good! The diversity
25%. I’d love to see a female Police and executing search warrants, often Thank you for being open and
aspects and roles in the job, and you
out her hanky to dust down the dressing
of policing also appealed to me. I first
Commissioner here one day! a number of them in the same day, can honest with us and we wish you
table as it was really dusty. Dad wasn’t can travel the State. Women are also
joined in 2003 and was in the Force What are the best bits
be tiring. Always being on high alert
being encouraged to climb the ranks.
all the very best.
allowed up to the Boarding House. I when you barge through a drug dealers
for two years. But my ex-husband
really struggled with homesickness about your job? door and not knowing what you will find
There have been so many moments in
wasn’t overly supportive of me being a my career where I’ve thought, ‘Wow! Not
and back then you couldn’t contact There are too many to mention! I am on the other side. The most emotional
copper so I resigned, had twins and got everyone gets to do this!’
your parents, except by letter, for the currently working in family violence. I position I have undertaken would be
divorced all in a four year period. I really
first six weeks. I struggled to settle into love working with families/children and the two years I spent at the Coronial One of the biggest positives however is
missed being an Officer though and I
boarding school and I ended up leaving the elderly in crisis and helping them, Investigation Unit. Going to all types the camaraderie that the blue family has
re-joined the Force in 2009.
and becoming a day girl and living with whether it be assisting women to flee of scenes from infant deaths, suicides and you make friends for life.
my Grandma in Floreat.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 7
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING COVER STORY
Music Captain
Siobhan Cotchin
releases her
first single
OLIVIA (2ND FROM LEFT) AND AMY (2ND FROM RIGHT)
PC Foundation Scholarship Fund
GIORGIA PATTEN (LEFT) WITH HARRIET HUDSON Donor Breakfast
What an inspiring morning! Over breakfast, donors to the
2020 Olympics Australian Rowing team
Perth College Foundation’s Scholarship Fund saw first
Congratulations to 2016 Leaver and Lawley House hand the impact of their donations when our enthusiastic
Vice-Captain, Giorgia Patten who together with Harriet group of scholarship recipients shared their stories and the
Hudson, won silver in the U23 Women’s Double Sculls at difference the scholarships had made to their lives. Old Girls
the World Rowing U23 Championships in Florida last July. Olivia Smith (2016) and Amy Colgan (2017) shared how
Giorgia was also selected for the 2020 Australian Rowing their Perth College education has provided them with the
team and was looking forward to competing at the 2020 opportunities to achieve their goals beyond graduation and
World Rowing Cup as well as the Final Olympic Qualification how grateful they are for being awarded their scholarships.
Regatta later this year, but sadly the events were cancelled
John Palermo, Secretary to the Board of Governors of
due to the coronavirus.
the Feilman Foundation (a generous benefactor to Perth
College) also spoke about the value of giving and the
culture of philanthropy.
“Do yourself
a favour
and check
them out!”
CONCERT POSTER
A big congratulations to Siobhan Cotchin
Perth Orchestra Project (POP) concert (2017) on her 2020 WAM Song of the Year
SUNRISE WEATHER SEGMENT FEATURING KATHERINE nomination for her first single 'Tear Myself
2013 Leaver and Music Captain Kate Milligan was
Apart' which was released in February.
commissioned to compose a piece for the Perth Orchestra
Sydney Science Festival featured on The single is a finalist in both the Rock and
Project (POP) concert at UWA last November. The concert
Channel Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ Destinations featured a programme of American music from
Country categories with winners announced
on Wednesday 29 July 2020.
2006 Leaver Katherine O’Sullivan featured on Channel the 20th century and Kate’s new composition. A review
Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ programme last August promoting the from Seesaw magazine said: “The clatter of vintage early The West Australian Academy of Performing
Sydney Science Festival. Katherine is a team member of 20th century trains were replaced by the calm hiss of Arts (WAAPA) graduate also released another
Fizzics Education, a Sydney based company that makes pneumatic doors in Kate Milligan’s Migrations. Her recordings track entitled 'Do You Know What I Mean?'
science fun for kids. A self-confessed ‘total science nerd’ of the Paris metro underpin her new work, in a stylistic in May and will release her next single 'Just
and a theatre kid, Katherine says she gets a kick from seeing nod to Reich. The flutes returned to the stage and their The Way It Is' in July 2020.
students engage with new ideas – especially when there’s rushing air and spitting sounds together with the slowly We think her new songs are fabulous and
slime, liquid nitrogen or explosions involved! After studying accelerating string rhythms took the audience on a distinctly as Molly Meldrum would say, ‘Do yourself a
Nanotechnology, Chemistry and Science Communication more modern journey. Milligan’s field recordings included favour and check them out!’
at UWA, Katherine ventured to the east coast to complete snippets of buskers (the melody taken up briefly by the
her Masters at ANU in 2015. instrumentalists) and the chatter of people at a station”.
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANNIE HARVEY
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 9
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
Budding Artist
What a thrill it must have been for 2016 Leaver and
Art Captain Melissa Clements to hold her first
Art Exhibition Fracture at Plume Estate Vineyard in
September 2019. The exhibition was described as
an intimate show of artwork exploring the notion
of fragmented identity, ego and the relationship
between body and spirit.
HEIDI GAN Melissa was a talented artist at school, so we’re not
RINA’S ARTWORK AND THE C&M T-SHIRT surprised her recent exhibition was a big success
SIOBHAN SPEAKING WITH YEAR 10 STUDENTS
and we’re sure she has a bright artistic future.
Junior Lawyer of the Year
Lunch with Siobhan Hammond Congratulations to 2005 Leaver and SRC President Heidi
Gan who was named Junior Lawyer of the Year in March at
Year 10 students with an interest in studying accounting
the Women’s Lawyers of Western Australia (Inc) honours
or commerce were lucky to pick the brains of 2007 Leaver
dinner for International Women’s Day.
Siobhan Hammond over lunch in November. Siobhan was
visiting from London where she works as an accountant for Heidi adds this achievement to her incredible
the International Accounting Standards Board. The Board swimming career, which includes being a two
writes the accounting standards for more than 100 countries
time Olympian (representing Malaysia), a three-
and Siobhan shared with the girls her journey from Perth
College to the Board, how Australia endorses the Standards
time South East Asian Games gold medallist
and what the Board actually does. and Asian Games gold medallist.
TORI WITH CLASSMATE & PC TEACHER, HAYLIE PEPPER (2003)
NOW AND JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
Raising Awareness of Cycling Safety
Years 7 & 9 to 12 students heard 2003 Head Girl Victoria
'Tori' Dolan’s story of courage and determination at the
School’s International Women’s Day Assembly in March.
THEN Tori was seriously injured in a cycling accident and wants to
prevent what happened to her from happening to others.
She believes using the roads means drivers and riders
LEFT: ELIZA, LYN AND MACKENZIE. RIGHT: LYN (CORNISH) both have responsibilities, and we should be forming a
KIKI AND JILL PURSER, 1945 PERTH COLLEGE JUNIOR SWIMMING CHAMPION.
relationship between both parties, ensuring everyone
arrives safely at their destination.
A Passion for Design Once a PC girl, always a PC girl!
RINA’S ARTWORK AND THE C&M T-SHIRT
Her story inspired some special activities amongst our Junior
One of the many things we love about being an Old Girl How gorgeous is this photo!? We don’t think 1947 Leaver
and Senior School students to further raise awareness of
is the chance to give back, so it was a thrill to welcome and former Lawley House Captain, Lyn (Cornish) Purser
bicycle safety. Tori had been training to tackle the 19.7km
renowned artist, Jill Yelland (1965) to Perth College in could look any prouder of her old team. Here she is beaming
Channel 7 Port to Pub swim in March in a team of six to raise
Designed for a Good Cause March to present an award named in her honour. Jill is a and congratulating Year 9 students Eliza and Mackenzie
awareness of the partnership between cars and bicycles on the
SRC President and 2006 Leaver Rina Freiberg is a Perth- glass designer and screen printer and has worked in design, following their win at the Perth College House Rowing
road however the event had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.
based artist whose work featured on a limited-edition advertising and publishing all over the world. Regatta 2020.
Camilla and Marc T-shirt designed to raise awareness and
Year 12 student Kiki was elated to win the inaugural Jill
funds for Ovarian Cancer research. To learn more, visit www.
Yelland Art and Design Award. Jill developed the award in
camillaandmarc.com/art-tee or to view Rina’s other works
www.rinafreiberg.com/
consultation with the School’s Art Department to encourage Congratulations
young women in to the design field. Kiki receives a grant
to assist with her 2020 project and the opportunity to SRC Executive Paris McNeil (2017) is an undergraduate law student studying at Curtin University. Paris has a
undertake a mentorship or internship with the design keen interest in criminal law and aspires to become a State Prosecutor upon completion of her degree.
professional of her choice. Thank you to Jill for her generosity Paris also thoroughly enjoys studying the law of tort, and in 2019, was awarded the prize for Best Student in
and passion for the next generation of designers. Introduction to Tort Law.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 11
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
A Mutual Connection Two Decades of Work
Sara Amir-Ansari (1996) is the Chief Financial Honoured
Officer of Amana Living, a provider of aged care
services, and recently visited the Karrinyup Dux of Science, Dr Debbie (Clapin) Smith (1982)
residential care facility and met Old Girl Patricia was inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame for
(Leavy) Guest (1964). Over lunch, Patricia shared International Women’s Day 2020 at Government
her collection of Myalla’s and fond memories of PC. House on 8 March 2020.
Sara was delighted to connect with her and share She was recognised for her outstanding
their mutual attachment to their School. medical and forensic work as a doctor at
KERRYN (MCMULLEN) TOMAZIN, BELINDA (SALMON) POWELL, the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)
KELLY (SMOKER) ANDERSON, TANYA (MOYES) DEAN, ALICE
PEARCE AND LINDA (WHEATLEY) FIRTH. in Perth for over two decades.
Debbie is a key SARC researcher and has published
Friends for more than 20-Years work on early forensic evidence kits, injury in sexual
assault and the first Australian study on prevalence
Here’s a tradition worth holding onto. Six 1993 Leavers
of non-fatal strangulation in sexual assault.
celebrate their friendship at their annual Christmas
get-together. This is really special ladies! Debbie has worked to improve understanding
MILLIE (CENTRE) WITH HEAD OF BOARDING, JILL MILLER (LEFT)
AND 1984 LEAVER AND AUNT, CHITTIMAS KETVORAVIT (RIGHT) about non-fatal strangulation in the health, legal,
police and community sectors, thereby supporting
Off to the Big Apple Another Medal for Brianna legislative responses to non-fatal strangulation in
WA. The non-fatal strangulation Bill was passed in
Millie Ketvoravit (2019) applied to a number of overseas WA in December 2019.
Congratulations to 2013 Leaver Brianna Throssell
and Australian universities before graduation and was lucky
who is the 2020 Lyn McClements Swimmer of the
enough to receive offers to the University of San Francisco
Year Medal winner! It’s the Olympian swimmer's
with the Presidential Scholarship Award and University
fourth time winning the Medal, a feat that puts her
RISHELLE HUME of Massachusetts Amherst with a Chancellor’s Award. In
ahead of Eamon Sullivan as the most successful
addition, Millie was also accepted to study at The University
Western Australian swimmer of all time.
of Western Australia, University of New South Wales,
Outstanding!
Australian National University, The University of Melbourne
Adding to her many achievements, 1992 Leaver, Dr Rishelle and The University of Sydney. But, she has decided to attend
Hume AM won this year’s 2020 WA Chamber of Minerals and New York University (NYU) to the School of Professional
Energy Outstanding Woman in the Resource Industry award. Studies majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management
(Bachelor of Science).
Rishelle was the 2016 Western Australian of
the Year – Aboriginal category winner for her NYU is ranked 39th best university worldwide
inspirational leadership and dedication to the and this year, class of 2024, is the most selective
advancement of Aboriginal people. class in the history of NYU with an acceptance
rate of 15% from around 85,000 applicants. THE TEAM IS FROM LEFT: BARBARA (WATSON) WILCOX (1954), GAYE
(DUTTON) HAYES (1966), DANA (COLE) SLATER (1982), LORRAINE
(COLLINS) MEULEMAN (1968), SUSANNA ‘SUZII’ SHEN (2007), SUE
She’s an Ironman!
(BUCKLEY) GOOD (1964), KERRIE (RUSSELL) MOORE (1975), SUE-
ELLEN (SULLIVAN) MCKAY (1969), JAN (CARTER) DUNKLEY (1966),
Dr Claire Badenhorst (2007) blitzed her competition
Sharing her love of writing FRONT: COURTNEY, NATASHA & CHLOE. BACK: JOHN & MELISSA
TRACEY JOHNSTON (1974), & HONOR METCALF (1968).
at this years ‘Ironman NZ’ finishing first in her Author Meg Caddy (2009) was full of enthusiasm Combined Independent Girls’ School
age group (25 - 29), 3rd overall age groupers. She HASS Conversations
and tips when she spoke at UWA’s Family Day in Golf Day
also qualified for Kona (World Championships of February. The passionate storyteller shared her The Humanities and Social Sciences department (HASS) held
Ironman) however the event was postponed due Congratulations to the Old Girls’ Association golf team on
humour and knowledge in the Young Adult Writers a lunchtime event in August 2019 for Years 9 to 12 students.
to the COVID-19 pandemic. taking out second place (after PLC) at last September’s
Session as part of the Perth Festival. Meg started Old Girls’ Courtney Solly (2006), Melissa Settineri (2009),
combined Independent Girls’ School Golf Day.
Claire is a triathlete and a researcher at Massey writing her debut novel ‘Waer’ when she was just Natasha Mohiuddin (2011) and Chloe Smolenski (2016)
University, Auckland New Zealand where she’s 14 years old and says her time at PC, as a student along with past parent/former State MP, John Day shared The 2020 Golf Day will be held at Karrinyup Golf Club on
looking at exercise induced iron deficiency in and later as a House Mother in the Boarding House, their study and career pathways linked to the Humanities Monday 21 September.
endurance athletes. influenced her writing. and Social Sciences. Any Old Girl with a golf handicap is welcome to join the team.
Please contact Alumni and Foundation Assistant, Caroline
Risah for details.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 13
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
Old Girls' 2020 Vintage
Association Reunion
Reunions 20-YEAR REUNION (1999 LEAVERS)
1959 LEAVERS AND EARLIER
and Events 5-YEAR REUNION (2014 LEAVERS) ASHLEY CHANDRA, ALEXANDRA
MOORE, JASMINE WARD AND CHRISTINA THOMPSON
While we have been keeping our distance and staying
at home, we can reflect on times when large gatherings
were permitted, and we enjoyed each others company
in person. The OGA calendar of events ramped up from
August 2019 with seven reunions. We also enjoyed
30-YEAR REUNION (1989 LEAVERS)
the Vintage Reunion at the commencement of 2020
RUTH (OLIVER) GLENISTER (1952), BETH (RIDLEY) FRANZ OAM
before restrictions came into place.
(1952) AND BERWYN (ALLEN) GRIEVE (1950)
5-YEAR REUNION (2014 LEAVERS) HANNAH THAMBIPILLAI,
STEPHANIE TRAN AND CLAIRE O'DONOHUE
40-YEAR REUNION (1979 LEAVERS)
BETTY (LYALL) MERRYWEATHER (1947), JACQUELINE (FURPHEY)
DRAKE-BROCKMAN (1948) AND LYN (CORNISH) PURSER (1947)
50-YEAR REUNION (1969 LEAVERS)
10-YEAR REUNION (2009 LEAVERS) 60-YEAR REUNION (1959 LEAVERS) VAL MAYGER (1957) AND DELYS (BROOKMAN) HARROLD (1951)
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 15
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
OGA PRESIDENT STEPHANIE (JENNINGS) FULLARTON (1979), THREE GENERATIONS- KATE (MAGILL) EDGAR (1987), JUDITH
ELISSA BURTON (1990) AND PRINCIPAL HELEN AGUIAR (BARRETT-LENNARD) MAGILL (1957) AND JOANNA YEAR 12
Following in their Footsteps Assembly
In October 2019 the inaugural OGA Following in their
Footsteps assembly was held with Leavers from 1944
to 2017 attending. The incoming Year 12 students were
presented with their Seniors badges and our guest speaker,
Dr Elissa Burton (1990) gave an interesting address about
her life after PC. Elissa revealed some important insights
into how there’s no single predictable pathway to following
2018 LEAVERS AMY LUCKETT, JASMINE SEYMOUR AND
your dreams and achieving success, and she stressed the
MACKENZIE HAYWOOD
importance of being true to yourself. Too true Elissa!
YOGA MEMBERS - GRACE HUXTABLE (2010), NATASHA ZINT
(2013), ANGEL CHEN (2008) AND JESSICA STOUT (2013) Perth College Leadership Camp
AT THE 2019 FLOURISH CONFERENCE
Ten young Old Girls returned to Perth College in January 2020
as Mentors at the Perth College Leadership Camp for Years 11
2019 Perth College Flourish Conference and 12 students. The Mentors support the members of their
After the successful Young Old Girls’ Advisory (YOGA) sub- ‘tribes’ and lead activities throughout the camp.
committee launch last year (for Old Girls aged 18 to 30)
there were many suggestions from the younger Old Girls for
professional development events. They asked, and the Perth SECOND GENERATION STUDENTS, PIPER AND AMELIE,
WITH THEIR MOTHER KATRINA (PORT) HARRISON (1988)
College Foundation delivered by providing financial support
for YOGA members to attend the one-day PC Flourish
Conference in October 2019.
The day was a big success with Keynote speakers including
BURSARY RECIPIENTS WITH OGA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Dr Suzy Green from The Positivity Institute, Julian Pace from
Happiness Co. and Gihan Perera from 'Fit for the Future’. They,
along with others, all had very relevant tips; from the value Bursary Recipients Lunch 2019
of being positive, how to keep anxiety at bay and how best to At the annual OGA Bursary Recipients Lunch our students
become fit for the future, professionally and personally. enjoyed sharing their Perth College experiences with
YOGA have continued to provide opportunities for their the OGA Committee members. It was great to hear our
2019 LEAVERS NOA AND MONIQUE
members, despite the COVID-19 restrictions and launched a recipients continue to thrive at PC and contribute positively
virtual Career Networking Series in 2020. These virtual events across school life.
will take place over multiple sessions and give participants the
Year 12 Leavers’ Breakfast
We were incredibly proud of our most senior bursary
chance to gain first-hand knowledge and practical advice on It was time for the baton to change hands for the 2019 holder, Jasmine Schupelius (2019) who was awarded Dux
different career paths including commerce, law, engineering, Leavers... from school girl to Old Girl! The enthusiastic of Perth College. She also received an academic excellence
science and healthcare. The first session on commerce was newcomers were formally welcomed into the Old Girls’ award, prizes for French and Mathematics Specialist and
held in June, with 16 participants. Association at their Leavers’ Breakfast in December 2019. academic colours. Furthermore, we are proud to announce
that Jasmine received a Schools Curriculum and Standards
KAYE (MURPHY) VERBOON (1971), MERLE (GIESE) BEST (1944) Authority WACE award: Certificate of Distinction and has a
AND JILL YELLAND (1965)
direct path into a Doctor of Dental Medicine at UWA.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 17
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
Melbourne Meet and Greet
As part of keeping Old Girls connected from far and
wide, Principal Helen Aguiar and Alumni and Foundation
Coordinator Natalie Swannell enjoyed an evening in November
2019 catching-up with some of our Old Girls in Melbourne.
It was a terrific evening with many of the ladies taking the
opportunity to meet the new Principal for the first time.
NARELLE (GETHIN) DUCKETT (1986), RACHEL (ZARROP) GREAVES
(1998) AND BRONWYN (WILLIAMS) FOX (1995) SARAH JAMESON (1988) AND SUSAN RIGG (1966)
L TO R: REBECCA (SCOTT) FREEMAN (1983), LYDIA (MERRALLS)
Ladies’ Long Lunch GOODEY (1987), SAMANTHA (LUTEY) DEVEREUX (1987) AND
SHARLENE (GETHIN) MATTINGLY (1987)
It was set to be a sizzling hot day and sizzle they did. With
the mercury hitting 40.4 degrees, Perth recorded its hottest
November day since 1897… not ideal, but it didn’t deter 80
Old Girls keen to catch up.
SARAH FERN (1986), LAUREN MILES (2000), EMILY
The annual OGA Country Lunch was reintroduced after a
BEAVERSTOCK (2008) AND PRINCIPAL HELEN AGUIAR
one-year hiatus and returned as the aptly renamed ‘Ladies’
Long Lunch’. Long tables at the Oakover Winery in the Swan
Valley were perfect for generations to come together with
girls ranging from 1945 Leavers to 2013 Leavers, which is
what the OGA is all about. 1988 LEAVERS AMANDA-JANE (CONRAD) REED, NICOLA
(RODWAY) FERRARI & LINDA (STONEY) JOHNSTON
They talked, they melted and they tried to cool down in front
of giant fans… the best spot to make new connections and HAYLIE PEPPER (2003) AND OGA PRESIDENT STEPHANIE
(JENNINGS) FULLARTON (1979)
talk with lots of ladies you might not otherwise meet.
FRANCES (RUSSELL) NICHOLLS (1936), SUZANNE (ADAMS)
LITCHFIELD (1960), VICKI (GOMM) BRADFORD (1984), MARGARET
(PETERKIN) MASTERS (1954) AND JOAN (LOVEGROVE) LEFROY (1959)
2013 LEAVERS ASHLEIGH HADDON,
DIMITY HALL AND ASHLEIGH YUKICH
JANA PRATICO (2001), WENDY (HINE) MICHETTI (1989)
AND NARELLE (GETHIN) DUCKETT (1986)
Old Girl Parent and Staff Breakfast
1965 LEAVERS CHRISTINE (SCURLOCK) PRICE,
NITA (BROWES) LADYMAN AND VERITY (ROSE) HESS
Did you know that 126 Old Girls are either Perth College
parents or staff?
The School and OGA wanted to recognise their loyalty and
It was such a lovely day with all the money
love for the School and acknowledged their involvement at
raised through ticket sales and a silent auction an inaugural Old Girl Parent and Staff breakfast in
going towards the Emma and Bessie Cotton 1958 LEAVERS WENDY (GROAT) SCUDDER, KAREN BESSELL- February 2020. WHITNEY GERRANS (2016), CHRISTOPHER ELLIS
BROWNE (KLEM) AND BEV (ROCHE) BUTTERS (PAST PRINCIPAL) AND GEORGIA KING (2016)
Memorial Bursary.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 19BOARDERS’ BUSH TELEGRAPH
As the old adage goes, you cannot be what you cannot see. Katie grew up in Kalgoorlie and I have an uncle who is a captain for
Cathay Pacific and he’s been very
Did you enjoy school?
enjoyed three years boarding I enjoyed all of my time at Perth College
So, while interested in flying from a very young age, Katie Basso at PC before leaving in 2015
supportive of my current progression
and was very sad to leave, but I wished
through the aviation industry and has
thought she’d be an airline stewardess as she’d never seen a to return home and start her given me sound advice to help me
to pursue my flying career which meant
I could no longer be a boarder. I have
flight training at the Goldfields
female pilot. But her parents and Perth College put Katie Air Services Flight School.
develop.
some great memories from school…
like playing, umpiring and coaching
straight and encouraged her to reach for the stars, don the At just 20, Katie is now a
When did you do your netball. Winning the Schools conflict
first solo flight and how
epaulets and take the controls. flight instructor in New South
did that feel?
resolution and mediation (SCRAM)
grand final in 2015. I was also lucky
Wales… keen to stretch her
My first solo flight was in April 2016. enough to go to Vietnam at the end of
wings to one day fly for the Year Ten as part of the ‘Antipodeans
As any Pilot will tell you, it’s an
Royal Flying Doctor Service indescribable feeling. When the person abroad’ trip. I also remember going to
of Australia (RFDS).
Katie Basso takes
next to you gets out and says ‘you’re Adventure World for the first time for
ready to go solo’ your mind races with the borders’ annual trip.
I understand you recently both happiness and anxiety. Having to
moved to Wagga Wagga take-off is the easy part, but what goes What do you hope to achieve
for work? in the aviation industry?
the controls
up must come down! After successfully
Yes, I'm a flight instructor at the landing for the first time, by myself, I I want to be one of the many women
Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA) definitely knew I was never going to that help younger generations see that
in Wagga Wagga. It’s a subsidiary of the work in any other industry. I’ve flown the aviation industry doesn’t have to be
Regional Express (REX) Group. It’s an just over 500 hours now. male dominated and it’s not limited to a
extremely good opportunity; not only seat in an aircraft. My aim is to progress
“Just remember, flying has do they have well maintained aircraft Is the aviation industry
harder for women?
as an instructor and enhance my own
and state-of-the-art facilities, they also skills as a pilot (as they say, if you want
never been safer” train airline cadets. I had an in-person I don't think it's as hard for women to be good at something, teach it). Once
interview last September and by the as people believe. I am experienced enough, I want to work
time I got back to WA I had a job offer for a corporate charter company and
Yes, aviation is a male dominated
that I couldn’t say no to. There are 20 experience the diversity and quick-
industry but many women have already
instructors, four are females. As a flight thinking side of aviation.
paved the way for the rest of us. There is
instructor my responsibilities include
still the old fashioned, moderately sexist After that I might consider an airline job,
briefing students prior to flight, training
individual out there, but they don't get far but my ultimate goal is to work for an
cadets to fly to a set of standards that
in the industry with that kind of attitude. air-ambulance service, such as the Royal
will allow them to fly solo and eventually
Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
gain their Private Pilot’s Licence. I also
teach theory for some of the exams the
Did a particular teacher
inspire or encourage you What would you say to those
students are required to pass.
to fly? who have a fear of flying?
When did your interest No-one specifically encouraged me to Just remember, flying has never
been safer.
in flying take off... pun fly as I wasn’t excessively open about my
intended! future goals. Throughout high school
though, I had this belief that pilots had
As a child I flew on many planes and
to be really good at maths, physics,
always loved it. I loved going to the
airport, seeing all the people, the planes,
and chemistry. I fondly remember Great tip Katie and what an
Mrs Pateman who taught me Year 10
and especially the air hostesses and achievement. Thank you for
Extended Maths. I had worked hard
pilots. Originally, I wanted to become an
the previous year to allow me to study
sharing your story. Fly safe.
air hostess as I had never seen a female
extended maths and Mrs Pateman was
pilot and didn’t think women could be
KATIE AT WORK IN WAGGA WAGGA very supportive and encouraging in
pilots. But both my parents and Perth
helping me achieve good grades.
College quickly changed my mind about
that. Dad has always had a love for
She wasted no time and started pilot training just days after her 16th birthday… getting a licence planes too, but was never able to invest
to fly solo before she could even legally drive a car! Now that’s impressive! in such a career.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 21CELEBRATIONS
Engagement
Congratulations to OGA Treasurer Eliza
Jamieson (2008 Leaver) who got engaged on
Friday 11 October 2019 at Cottesloe Beach.
HUGO HYLAND TEDYE MCDIVEN
Grandparents again Happy Birthday Tedye
B R I D E S M A I D ’ S A N D G U E S T S I N C LU D E D FE L LOW 2 0 0 8
L E AV E R S: A N N I E L E I ( B R I DA L PA R T Y ) , J E N N I FE R K A N ( B R I DA L Linda (Meyers) Hyland (OGA Committee member Congratulations to Old Girl Tedye (Elkington) McDiven
PA R T Y ) , T E M I LY B A K E R ( B R I DA L PA R T Y ) , LU C I N DA B O OT H BY,
and 1968 Leaver) and her husband Richard are proud (1943) who celebrated her 95th birthday in May. Natalie
E M M A ( H E R R I M A N ) S OAC TA R , E L L E N G O U G O U L I S , M E L I N DA
( WO N G ) YA N G , VA N E S S A C H I A , T E R E S S A ( T H A I ) T H A I - grandparents again. Their son and daughter-in-law Swannell our Alumni and Foundation Coordinator joined
N G U Y E N A N D J E S S I C A ( N G O) VO. welcomed their first child, Hugo into the world in March 2020. the party and snapped this lovely photo.
ILARIA CORBETT’S WEDDING
Over 90's
Angel Chen's Winter Wedding
Perth College Chapel Wedding Happy Birthday to our Old Girls who are
Old Girls’ Association Foundation representative and
celebrating a 90+ birthday between April
Birthday Club
2008 Leaver, Angel Chen married Jeffrey Effendi (Old 2008 Leaver Ilaria Corbett married Robert Bell at the
Haleian and 2007 Leaver) at St Georges Cathedral on Perth College Chapel on 11 January 2020. Ilaria’s sister, and October 2020.
Saturday 15 June 2019. 2013 Leaver Isabella Corbett was bridesmaid and close
friends and fellow 2008 Leavers Justine Conway, Liz
O'Brien, Prudence Hepple, Clare (Ward) Ward-Noonan Rae Anderson (1944) Natalie (Skinner) Harvey (1946) Dawn (Dobson) Pilgrim (1943)
and Keely Liddle attended as guests. Audrey (Hunt) Atwell (1944) Pamela (Mawby) Hesling (1942) Jacquie (Campbell) Ramshaw (1947)
PC Pitter Patter Pat (Lackman) Baunton (1939) Audrey (Mearing) Hornby (1935) Ann (de Burgh) Riches (1945)
Lesley (Scott) Blight (1945) Joan (Pocklington) Howard (1939) Rachel (Carey) Rosenthal (1942)
Congratulations to Alumni and Foundation
Bobbie (Devenish) Bower (1944) Mary (Maund) Hunter (1944) Yvonne (McLay) Sims (1946)
Coordinator Natalie Swannell who is expecting
Margaret (Broadhurst) Brinsden (1944) Vivienne (Johnston) Jackson (1942) Patricia (Hockin) Sims (1939)
her first child with husband Mathew in August
Barbara (Paterson) Broun (1948) Beryl Kay (1944) Miriam (Latham) Smith (1945)
2020. Natalie commences 12 months parental
leave in July 2020 and the OGA are pleased to Gladys (Combs) Clark (1944) Pat (Winning) Keech (1942) Donalda (Campbell) Spencer (1948)
have Alumni and Foundation Assistant, Caroline Mulvie (Budge) Corke (1946) Olive (Hardie) Liddelow (1946) Betty Spooner (1948)
Risah supporting them in Natalie’s absence. May (Stiles) Crossing (1947) Mabs (Biggs) MacDougall (1948) Loris (Fowler) Stewart (1948)
Sheila (Wilding) Curlewis (1937) Laurel (Davies) March (1947) Barbara (Mann) Stoneman (1946)
Frances (Anderson) Dodds (1942) Dorothy (Hardwick) Martin (1941) Minna (Craven) Terry (1946)
Dawn (Claughton) Dunn (1948) June (Richards) McCallum (1944) Pamela (Phillips) Uittenbroek (1946)
Broadwater Farm Wedding HANNAH AND JACKSON’S WEDDING
Judith Fox (1946) Valma (Burges) McCreery (1947) Beverley (Belton) van der Moezel (1945)
Natasha Serrell-Cox (2008) married Tom Roach on 31 Joan Gooch (1949) Tedye (Elkington) McDiven (1943) Joan (Harrison) van Oosteron (1939)
January 2020. The pair met at a Petroleum Club of WA event, Denmark Winery Wedding Dorothy (Tonkinson) Goulden (1946) June (Carey) McDowell (1942) Alison (Rollings) Walker (1947)
where Natasha was on the Young Professionals Committee. 2004 Leaver Hannah Ruprecht married Jackson Wheeler Rosemary (Klug) Grant (1948) Mary (Morrell) Melot (1941) Barbara (Sinclair) Wheeler (1944)
Their wedding was held at the Old Broadwater Farm in on a beautiful November day at Denmark winery, Forest Lesley (Wall) Greagg (1943) Geraldine (Jarrott) Milner (1948) Mary (Sherlock) Wilding (1943)
Busselton and attended by 70 guests. Since graduating Hill, with their old dog Jedda attending the ceremony on 16
Nan (Meagher) Grey (1938) Geraldine (Brownell) Nainby (1943) Shirley (Wright) Willcock (1939)
Perth College, Natasha completed a Law/Arts degree at UWA November 2019. The romantic event of 60 family and friends
Patricia (Stoneman) Gunzburg (1946) Judy (Stenberg) Nielsen (1945) Shirley (Lloyd-Jones) Withers (1946)
and worked at Woodside Energy. Natasha and her husband included Hannah's sisters Elizabeth Ruprecht (2007)
Shirley (Weaver) Hamblin (1947) Patricia (Rodgers) Nottle (1942) Dawn (Oldfield) Woolley (1945)
are now living in Houston, USA. . and Nicola Ruprecht (2010) with mum Sandra (Dufall)
Jean (Lockyer) Hankey (1942) June (Illingworth) Outhwaite (1943) Suzanne (Hockin) Wright (1942)
Ruprecht (1978).
Bobbie (Flight-Smith) Hardie (1938) Gladys (Williams) Parsons (1947) Joan (Hull) Wroth (1945)
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 23CONNECT TRIBUTE
CENTENERIAN / 1934 LEAVER
The OGA is Online Myalla is now
available digitally Farewell
Betty Ahern
Connect with the Old Girls’ Association and Perth College
through your favourite social media. Send information and
updates, keep up-to-date with events and news, ‘like’ photos, Myalla is now available to be received electronically via
and share articles. email. Those without an email or who prefer to receive their
magazine in the post can still receive a printed edition.
Manage how you would like to receive your Myalla magazine
via www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au/community/old-girls-
“I’ve always been inspired by the Queen
association/stay-up-to-date/
and her loyalty, Mother Theresa for her
work in India and all she did for the poor,
and my three daughters, Anne,
Elizabeth and Mary.”
Do you know a
There are 38 pre-1960 leavers who are not contactable
by post, email or phone. If you know someone
'lost' Old Girl?
listed below encourage them to contact the OGA
via oga@pc.wa.edu.au or call 9471 2196 as we
would be delighted to re-connect with them.
PERTH COLLEGE LEAVER YEAR LEFT PERTH COLLEGE LEAVER YEAR LEFT
Rosemary Avery 1948 Margaret McLeod 1952
Valerie Browning 1956 Norma Mercer Kennedy 1958
Wendy Cane 1950 Patricia Merryweather 1955
Ronda Cobain 1956 Yvonne Natrass Fode 1957
Joy Cornell 1956 James Paice 1948 INTERVIEW AND QUOTE COURTESY OF STM MAGAZINE
Christopher Cornish 1948 Michael Pearce PHOTOGRAPHER: STEF KING PHOTOGRAPHY
Geoffrey Cowden 1948 Pamela Richards Prior 1957
Jennifer Craddock 1949 Pamela Seymour 1958
Carolyn Dawe Walker 1959 Margaret Sugar 1950
Shirley Ewen 1956 Robin Thompson 1954 Muriel 'Betty' (Ellis) Ahern, 1917 - 2020 Betty grew up in South Perth, near the Zoo and started at PC
around age 10. She’d catch the ferry across to Perth then a
Robert Halvorsen 1948 Merilyn Tranter 1948 tram to the School and while Betty said it would take a long
Robin Hall 1958 Elizabeth Vivian 1957 We are very sad to report one of our time, lots of fun was had on the way.
Judith Hampshire 1954 Janice Wade 1957 oldest Old Girls, Betty (Ellis) Ahern (1934) Two years ago Betty was featured in the Sunday Times
Noeleen Iviney Wanda Wallingford-Earle 1953 has passed away at the age of 102. magazine for International Women’s Day as a centenarian. In
the article, she recalled a celebratory trip to England for her
Jan Johnson 1948 Janette Watson McKinlay 1957 21st. However, it was 1939 and they endured a terrible trip
Betty graduated from Perth College 85 years ago, having
Jill Kinsella 1956 Ann Wheeler 1949 attended from 1929 to 1934. Alumni and Foundation
home on a ship as Great Britain was on the brink of war with
Germany. When asked by STM which women inspired her,
Kay Kreiling 1948 Helen Wilson 1956 Coordinator Natalie Swannell popped by to wish her a happy
Betty said “the Queen for her loyalty and Mother Theresa for
102nd birthday in October 2019 where Betty said she had
Judith Laurent 1958 Carolyn Eddy Hunter 1958 her work with the poor”… and she attributed her longevity to
fond memories of her PC days. She remembered the pool
Diane Masel 1953 Lisbeth Skipsey Berridge 1960 being filled in 1931 and was lucky enough to be one of
regular exercise.
the first to swim in it! Betty also remembers being caught Betty had six children and several grandchildren,
smoking by Sister Joanna and getting 100 lines. Um agh! and passed away peacefully on March 25 2020.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 25CONDOLENCES
Fondly Remembering
Doris (Clinch) Hodgkinson Barbara Mary Viveash Fay (Abe) Lipscombe Patricia ‘Trish’ McKenzie (nee Partridge)
Doris (Clinch) Hodgkinson (1949) attended Perth College Condolences to the family and peers of 1948 Leaver Condolences to 1970 Leaver Kathy (Abe) Crow on the 1954 Leaver Patricia ‘Trish’ McKenzie (nee Partridge)
from 1945-1947 and passed away 10 October 2018. Beloved Barbara Mary Viveash who passed away 10 July 2019. death of her sister 1963 Leaver Fay (Abe) Lipscombe who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease on 24 February
mother of David and Linda Hodgkinson (1983). Mrs Louise Barbara was famously the first woman woolclasser in was a boarder in 1960 and 1961. Fay passed away on 7 2020 aged 83 years old. Trish’s grand-daugher Alice is in Year
Russell-Smith (Perth College’s previous Headmistress) in Australia. May she rest in peace. Barbara’s sister Rosie October 2019. 9 at Perth College and is the third generation to attend PC.
a testimonial for Doris wrote that she had “a high sense of (Viveash) Thunder (1958) and two nieces Deborah Viveash
honour”. So true. True grit. (1976) and Jennie (Viveash) Bond (1979) also attended PC. Faith Ursula Rigg Helen Ceriani (nee Smith)
Condolences to the Rigg family Susan (1966), Jennifer We acknowledge the passing of 1952 Leaver Helen Ceriani
Vena (Stooke) Robinson Barbara (Livie) Zusman (1967), Robyn (1970), Kathy and Libby on the passing (nee Smith). Date of death unknown.
1960 Leaver Vena (Stooke) Robinson died 28 October 2018. 1960 Leaver Barbara (Livie) Zusman died peacefully on of their mother, Faith Ursula Rigg, who passed away 15
Thoughts are extended to Vena’s loved ones on their loss. 26 July 2019. Our thoughts are with her family. October 2019. Grace (Edgar) Barrington
Grace (Edgar) Barrington (1943) passed away 20 March
Joan (Martin) Britten Lorraine (Layman) Sheridan Geraldine (Smith) Harkness 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with Grace’s family
1939 Leaver Joan (Martin) Britten died 23 March 2019 Condolences to the family and peers of Lorraine (Layman) One of our oldest Old Girls, Geraldine (Smith) Harkness including sister Suzanne (Edgar) Crabbe (1949).
aged 97. Sheridan (1960) who passed away on 28 July 2019. (1935) passed away aged 101 on 15 November 2019.
Geraldine’s long-standing family connection to PC begins in Betty (Glendinning) O’Reilly
Diana (Pocklington) Williams Barry Wheatley 1902 when her mother, Eva (Piesse) Smith (1904) enrolled Betty (Glendinning) O’Reilly (1947) passed away 26 March
Diana (Pocklington) Williams (1947) passed away 13 Our thoughts and prayers are with 1960 Leaver Julie at PC in it’s opening year. Many generations and relatives 2020. Betty was a generous soul and fondly remembered
April 2019. Our sincere condolences to Diana’s sister Joan (Fullerton) Wheatley and her family on the sudden passing have continued to attend PC over the years including her time as a Perth College girl. She was proud that her
(Pocklington) Howard (1939), their family and friends. of Julie’s husband Barry on 3 August 2019. Barry was also a Geraldine’s great-granddaughter Amelia who is currently granddaughter Cathryn Edwards (2004) also attended
grandfather to Cassidy Bevis (2011). in Year 8. the School.
Eve (Shilbury) Cohen
Georgia Lewis Susan (Layman) Gardiner Janette (Bourne) Byers
Eve (Shilbury) Cohen (1947) passed away 4 May 2019.
Condolences to her family and peers. We send our love and support to the family and classmates 1942 Leaver Susan (Layman) Gardiner died 15 November 1962 Leaver Janette (Bourne) Byers passed away 7 May
of 2008 Leaver Georgia Lewis who passed away 12 August 2019. Susan was a well-respected journalist with the ABC 2020. Condolences to her daughter Susie Byers (1999) and
Mildred ‘Min’ Plunkett (nee Ferguson) 2019. Our sincerest condolences to you all. for more than 20-years. We send our thoughts to her family sister Roberta (Bourne) Holland (1954), extended family
including cousin Lenore Layman (1956), Niece Sally-Anne and loved ones.
1950 Leaver Mildred ‘Min’ Plunkett (nee Ferguson)
passed away on 8 June 2019. Our thoughts are with her Marion (Williams) Johnston Layman (1990) and granddaughter Kym-Renee (Gardiner)
family including daughter Katharine Plunkett (1981) and Marion (Williams) Johnston (1951) passed away 18 August
Lanyon-Cook (1993). Ava Durward
granddaughter Hayley Plunkett (2017). 2019. Condolences to her sister Beth (Williams) Perks Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved
(1962) and sister-in-law Liz (Johnston) Teede (1950).
Peta (Hayes) Horton
ones of 2016 Leaver Ave Durward who passed away
Wendy (Burges) Davis Peta (Hayes) Horton (1945) passed away 20 December 8 February 2020.
1939 Leaver Wendy (Burges) Davis died 23 June 2019 aged Patricia ‘Pip’ Higham (nee Klug) 2019 aged 91. May she rest in peace.
97. Wendy was active all her life until the end and was a 1949 Leaver Patricia ‘Pip’ Higham (nee Klug) passed away
passionate member of the Fremantle Sailing Club.
Judith Craig
on 17 July 2019 and has been buried in her hometown of
Williams. Pip was a Perth College boarder from 1940 to 1947 Judith Craig (1960) died on 5 January 2020 aged 75.
commencing at just nine years of age. Condolences to Judith’s family and those closest to her.
The family connection to Perth College includes Pip’s Sisters
Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Jacob (nee Blake)
Rosemary (Klug) Grant (1948) and Wendy (Klug) Wood
1953 Leaver and Lawley House Captain Jennifer 'Jenny'
(1955), granddaughters Kathryn Stone (1994), Sophie
Jacob (nee Blake) passed away on 26 January 2020. We send
(Metcalf) Norman (1997) and Claire (Knight) Morrisby
our sympathies to her peers and loved ones.
(2002), and sisters-in-law Margaret (Higham) Hancy (1955)
and Judith (Higham) Rowan (1948).
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION 2020 EDITION 27You can also read
