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29
EX-STUDENTS’ NEWS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2019
It is hard to believe ESU
that I am once again COMMITTEE
writing a report to fill
AND OFFICE
you in on all that has
been happening with BEARERS 2019
the Ex-Students’ Union.
Patron: Gwendoline Bosler
I could easily write about the various
(Stuart, 1949)
events that have taken place but they
will appear elsewhere in our section President: Marina Clark
of Camphora—I know because some (Lvoff, 1978)
of those articles are next on my to do
list! As this is now the second edition Vice President: Catherine
of the new-look ESU Magazine, I would Marvell (Davidson, 1975)
like to acknowledge and thank all
those involved in its production over Secretary: Elizabeth Gregory
the years. Ann McDonald has worked (Cornish, 1961)
tirelessly as editor for 20 years, as have extraordinaire! Not only is there now
Lesley Meldrum, Helen Humphreys and Treasurer: Rae Gower
someone at the College five days a
Judith Hincksman. I am most grateful week to answer queries and support (Hoore, 1949)
for all their continued efforts on our us in innumerable ways but the
behalf and for their support as we move NCW Representatives:
Official PLC Sydney Alumni and ESU
forward with this new iteration of a Helen Humphreys (Neal, 1968)
Facebook Group is proving to be a most
much loved publication. successful way of staying in touch. The and Mia Joseph (Ilias, 2009)
In late 2018, we conducted a survey regular Trivia Tuesday questions are
Committee Members:
of our alumni community and I wish eagerly answered, we got into a Dorcas
knitting frenzy, regularly enjoy trips Megan Carrillo (Hor, 1998)
to thank those ex-students who took
the time to complete the survey. I’m down memory lane through archival Edwina Hobson (2015)
pleased to share a snapshot of the photos that are posted and it’s a lovely
results of this survey on page 49. The way to connect with friends from other Sara Keli (Thorp, 2001)
ESU Committee recently held a planning year groups as well as our own.
Lesley Meldrum (Morgan, 1955)
day to reflect on the suggestions and There are now almost 1000 members
comments gathered in the survey. in the official PLC Sydney Alumni and Robyn McBride (Hailey, 1976)
What do we do well and what can we ESU Facebook Group (www.facebook.
do better? Our discussions led us in all Ann McDonald (1965)
com/groups/PLCSydneyAlumni). Do
sorts of directions and many ideas were please join us there, if you haven’t Johanne Stapelfeldt (1978)
ESU NEWS
shared, so watch this space for new already done so.
events and programs for our diverse Director of Alumni Relations
community of ex-students. Mrs Marina Clark (Lvoff, 1978)
and Committee Member:
ESU President
Communication, we felt, has improved Philippa Zingales (Harris, 1998)
since the appointment of Philippa
Zingales, Director of Alumni Relations
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 2019
30
ESU ANNOUNCEMENTS
BIRTHS ENGAGEMENTS
Helena Czajka (2007) and
12.02.2019 Tom McKeith (son of former Principal
Indra Rauckman (Strikis, 2001) Dr William McKeith) are pleased to
and Brady Rauckman welcomed announce their engagement. Helena
Zachary Cooper Bennett and Tom met 6 years ago through
Rauckman, a little brother a friend. They realised their mutual
for Michaela and Lukas. connection to PLC only after a few
dates. Residing in Sydney, Helena is a
film composer and music supervisor,
and Tom is a lawyer at Legal Aid NSW
while also working as a screenwriter
and director.
Helena Czajka and Tom McKeith.
06.04.2019
Victoria Rozenhnal (Whitehead,
WEDDINGS
2005) and Thomas Rozenhnal Anwyn Watkins (2002) and Sam Lyndon married on Saturday 30 March in Anwyn's
welcomed Alexandra Victoria Grandmother's backyard in Wooli in Northern NSW. The ceremony was done in
Rozenhnal, a sister for Mackenzie three stages due to a torrential downpour just after the vows but it didn't dampen
Hailey Rozehnal. Alexandra was anyone's day. The newlyweds celebrated into the night with a golden, pink sunset
born on her grandmother’s, Robyn once the storm had finally passed.
McBride (Hailey, 1976) birthday
and what would have also been
Alexandra’s maternal great-great-
grandmother’s 118th birthday.
28.04.2019
Clare Stokes (Marvell, 2004) and
Michael Stokes welcomed Oscar
Michael Stokes.
Anwyn Watkins (2002) and Sam Lyndon.
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA
ACHIEVEMENTS 31
Kate Halpin (2003) won Best Direction in a Music Video at
the Australian Directors' Guild Awards for ‘Sympathy’ (Artist:
Iluka). The video also won Best Australian Music Video at the
2018 Clipped Music Video Festival. Visit www.katehalpinfilm.
com to see Kate’s work.
Jessica Lim (2010) graduated from The University of
Cambridge (UK) with a Doctor of Philosophy. Jessica
completed her studies in English children’s literature.
Madeleine O'Dea (2014) was accepted into The Opera
School at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, following
completion of her Bachelor of Music, Classical Voice.
Hannah Green (2015) had a design (jacket) appear in the
March edition of Vogue Australia. She has also been invited
to showcase her work at New York Fashion Week Spring/
Summer 2020, showing 7 September 2019. A Go Fund
Me page has been established to support Hannah (www.
gofundme.com/z4gnc-new-york-fashion-week). Hannah was
also creator of the winning shirt design for Witchery’s 2018
White Shirt Campaign.
Lily Harris (2018) is training with the NSW Institute of Sport
for water polo and recently trialled for the Junior World
Championships and World University Games.
Madeleine O'Dea (2014)
Cate Caldis (2018)
It brings great pleasure to hear about the future endeavours The areas of study have included product manufacture
of our students after leaving The Croydon as we hope to of textiles and leather goods, leather materials, fashion
inspire our current young designers to explore their creativity accessories, textile materials and the history of fashion.
outside the classroom. We celebrated Cate Caldis, class of Students learn about artisan sewing techniques as well as
2018 Textiles and Design, when her Major Textiles Project was large scale designer production. This exciting experience
selected for display at the Shape exhibition at the Powerhouse has enabled Cate to visit trade fairs in Milan, tanneries, and
Museum and the Texstyle Exhibition at The Muse Gallery. fabric weavers who supply designer brands such as Gucci,
Prada & Balenciaga. Cate has undertaken two internship
Cate was also impressively awarded the 2018 Fashion Design placements. The first one a small Atelier in Florence, gaining
Studio TAFE NSW Award for excellence in Textiles and Design. personal experiences only available from a small scale
As the only recipient of this award, she received a place in manufacturer. Her second placement was at Ferragamo.
the Fashion Design Studio portfolio presentation course
and tickets to The Fashion Design Studio Innovators Show at Cate has embraced the experience with an open mind,
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week. relishing all the opportunities that have been offered.
Cate has been studying the ‘Made In Italy Luxury’ Course in The MITA course finished in May, however, Cate has stayed
Florence this year with her former classmates Layla Lake, on in Italy until August when she will return and contemplate
ESU NEWS
Donna Tsang and Mia Mariner. Upon arrival at the Made in her no doubt very bright and exciting future in design.
Italy Tuscany Academy (MITA) classes were in Italian only.
Ms Jo Herrmann
PLC Sydney has a unique partnership with MITA. Designers
Head of Technological and Applied Studies
and Fashion Engineers to Gucci and other highly successful
leather good manufacturers teach technical skills and provide
industry experiences.
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 2019
32 IN MEMORIUM an alumnus of PLC Melbourne and her
father Arthur Hodsdon MBE devoted
“Hoddy was a born
his life to amateur athletics. He was historian, and her
instrumental in the formation of the
legacy in that regard
JUDITH SWAIN Amateur Athletics Union of Australia
and spent 27 years as its Secretary/ will live on.”
(HODSDON, 1949) Treasurer. Her younger brothers,
Bruce and Barrett Hodsdon, attended On graduating from PLC, Judith
1 March 1933 – 21 February 2019 Knox Grammar and both are now highly successfully completed a Bachelor of
respected scholars and commentators Arts at the University of Sydney, with a
“Reaching school I on film and cinema. major in History and Honours in English.
Judith stayed on at the university as a
am welcomed by all From her early schooling years, Judith
research assistant to English Professors
loved literature, writing and history.
the familiar sounds: Alex Mitchell and Wesley Milgate until
She regularly wrote articles for the the end of 1956, and then became a
the shrill cries of the Aurora Australis annual year book, and library assistant at the NSW State and
in her final year was the head student Mitchell Libraries.
juniors in the grounds, Librarian. She achieved First in Form in
Judith married northern NSW farmer
the shouts of boarders 1947 and was awarded the Dux of the
Graham Swain in 1958, living on the
School in 1949. She was also school
from upper windows, prefect in her last year. family farm east of Gunnedah. In 1964,
she moved with her husband and two
the crunching of feet Half a dozen classmates remembered young sons to a conditional purchase
‘Hoddy’ at their recent 70th school
over gravel, the reunion. Rosemary (Corney) Rutherford
farm block in the Shire of Jerramungup
in WA—then classed as a remote
scraping of desks attended Epping Primary School with area. Despite the demands of clearing
Judith until fourth class, when Judith some 3000 acres and with toddlers
along the floors, and then moved to the Opportunity School. underfoot, Judith continued to develop
the clash and discord They were reunited in the first year of English Literature curriculum and mark
high school at PLC Croydon: “She was papers for the University of Sydney.
of a dozen pianos.” always very clever, but rather shy.”
Rosemary and Heather (Walker) Ryan, Her gruelling frontier experiences
— Noise by Judith Hodsdon, aged 16 travelled on the same trains as Judith, embedded a love of local history. The
with her close friends Rosemary (Rosen) family farming enterprise shifted to
in Aurora Australis, 1949
Neville and Diana (Murray) Derrick. the Shire of Plantagenet, near Albany
‘Hoddy’, as she was fondly nicknamed They remember the bemusement of WA, in the late 1980s. From 1998,
by her friends, was a day student at PLC schoolboys from St Patrick’s College when she moved into Albany, Judith
Croydon from 1945 to 1949, where she when these very bright PLC girls became heavily involved with the Albany
excelled academically and participated were immersed in highly intellectual Historical Society (AHS) as Keeper of the
keenly in the life of the school. Judith’s conversations on the train. Classmate Records and Editor of its publications.
mother Lila Hodsdon (nee Mann) was Fay Laginestra commented, She was President of the AHS from
2011 to 2016. She revised the book
Judith: School Play. Judith: Prefect (1949).
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA
IN MEMORIUM 33
Mary Minchin
(Brazier, 1961)
14 March 1944 – 24 December 2018
Mary Elizabeth Minchin (Brazier) passed
away peacefully at home surrounded
by her loving family on 24 December,
2018 aged 74 years. Mary, who came
from Eucareena, spent six years from
1956 to 1961 as a boarder at PLC. Mary Minchin.
After leaving school Mary attended
Armidale Teachers’ College, then took
up a teaching position in Walgett. In Recently Richard and Mary retired to
1968 she travelled through America to Willunga living right on the edge of their
England where she taught and travelled local golf course of which she was a
throughout Europe. After three years very active member. Mary soon involved
Later in life, visiting the iconic
Mary travelled home via Africa. herself in the local community as the
Harry’s Bar in Venice. Judith was President of the lady golfers, Meals On
The next two years Mary spent in
keen on Italian film and loved Wheels and championing local Willunga
Darwin where she met her husband
Federico Fellini’s 1960 La Dolce Vita matters with the Onkaparinga Council.
– which features Harry’s Bar. It was
Richard Minchin. They moved to
a lifelong ambition to visit there, Adelaide in 1973. Mary taught for Mary is remembered by many for
which she did in 2009 with her son many years and in 1992 joined the SA her light hearted cheekiness, dogged
Philip and his wife Jennifer. Education Department as the Policy determination, professionalism and
Officer for the Gifted and Talented Unit. loyalty to friends, family and school.
Mary is sadly missed by her family and
Albany’s Nineteenth Century Buildings in In Adelaide Mary became the convenor
many friends. May she rest in peace.
2000, and penned numerous articles of the SA PLC ex-students’ group and
for local and regional news. Judith was was instrumental in organising many Thank you to Jill Gallagher (Clark, 1961)
well known in WA’s history circles for activities throughout each year. Many for contributing this article in honour of
her wealth of knowledge and research will remember her report on activities her friend.
on Albany. in the ex-students’ magazine.
She was awarded
a lifetime membership DEATHS
to the AHS for her
11.10.2018 24.03.2019
prolific voluntary
Allison MacCulloch (1945) Patricia Paterson (Hill, 1945)
efforts to preserve
and throw new light 24.12.2018 27.03.2019
on Albany’s past. Mary Minchin (Brazier, 1961) Moya Devine (Beck, 1947), aged
88 years. Moya was a boarder from
12.01.2019 1946 to 1947.
Judith had four children who have all
successfully made their way in diverse Dr Marie Knispel (1944)
23.04.2019
sectors. Michael in construction and
air-conditioning (Perth and regional 22.01.2019 Elaine Berenice Watson
areas), Philip in environmental health (Williamson, 1951)
(Perth and remote communities), Betty Ives (Henderson, 1934),
Catherine in international aged 101 years. At the time of her
April 2019
development and foreign policy passing, Betty was the College’s
(Canberra and overseas), and Elizabeth oldest known living ex-student. Rosalie Bissett (Cunliffe Jones, 1954)
in locally grown and packaged produce
(Albany and the Great Southern). 21.02.2019 5.06.19
Judith was the beloved grandmother Judith Swain (Hodsdon, 1949) Santina 'Tina' Macaluso
of nine grandchildren currently aged
ESU NEWS
(Bonanno, 1990)
between 11 and 35. February 2019
Thank you to Judith’s daughter, Dr Annette Marshall 16.6.19
Catherine Hesse-Swain for contri (Muras, 1955) Janet Campbell (Hotson, 1954)
buting this article in honour
of her mother.
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 2019
34
ALUMNI
EVENTS
IN 2019
CELEBRATING
125 YEARS OF
JERSEY DAY
On Saturday 9 March the College
and the Ex-Students' Union (ESU)
welcomed over 200 ex-students, Margaret Bain (1969), Jenny Drews (1969), Margaret DeGiorgio (1969).
past staff and guests back to school
to celebrate Jersey Day, our annual
day for alumni to return to the
College and reunite.
This event has been held each year for
125 years and is named in honour of
the Countess of Jersey who spoke at the
opening of the College's new buildings
in 1891.
This year ex-students joined us for
lunch, an archival display, tours, and a
service in College Hall. We all enjoyed
performances by the Stage and Concert
Bands, and the Pipes & Drums Band.
Thank you to those students and Philippa Zingales (Harris, 1998), Former teacher Annette Dwight,
families who attended. Robyn McBride (Hailey, 1976), Sara Jenna Turner (2019), Heather Glossop
Keli (Thorp, 2001). (1949), Anneka Graham (2019).
To mark the 125th Jersey Day
anniversary, the cast of Woven
performed the Countess of Jersey's
iconic speech and the ESU presented
a plaque to the College naming the rose
garden the Countess of Jersey Rose
Garden.
Thank you to
Dr Burgis, the ESU,
staff and students
for ensuring Jersey
Day 2019 was such a
tremendous success.
Save the date for Jersey Day 2020 to
be held on Saturday 14 March.
Cast of the PLC Sydney Drama Company's WOVEN.
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA
35
Class of 1979 (L to R): Julie Veron (Buxton),
Class of 1977 (L to R): Jo McKinnery, Vicki Trillini (Hallinan), Jenny Taylor (Richmond), Lisa Christogeorge (Spedding),
Megan Nelson, Prue Webber, Vicki Kuhl (Bosler). Jackie Brun (Dillon).
Class of 1987 (L to R): Sarah Sloss (Wickham), Jeni Bone (Payne)
with her mother Joy Payne, Catriona Wood (Dawson), and L to R: Barbara Sharp (Kulakowski, 1979),
Penny Spring. Moira Grant (Munro, 1979), Mrs Pamela Nutt.
ESU NEWS
Class of 1979 (L to R): Christine Baker (Irving), Catherine Cheung,
Elizabeth Tugwell (Harley), Alison Gordon, Anne Gundy, with Class of 1999 (L to R): Alicia Landom (Carson),
Supaporn McKellar (Srethbhakdi) via phone from Bangkok, Emily Ford (Squires), Jennifer Lim, Marika Calabro (Pavlis),
Thailand. Jennifer Liu.
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 2019
36
SAVE THE DATE
ARCHIBALD EXHIBITION MORNING TOUR INTERSTATE CONTACTS
Thursday 29 August 2019
ADELAIDE
ESU GENERATIONS BREAKFAST Patricia Becket (Lamrock, 1961)
Wednesday 28 August 2019 patsybeckett70@gmail.com
BRISBANE
Petrina Hawkins (Campbell, 1970)
THE CROYDON CIRCLE LUNCH
trinahawkins@me.com
Tuesday 22 October 2019
CANBERRA
Suzanne Clubb (1957)
JERSEY DAY 2020 (02) 6238 1531 / suzanneclubb@bigpond.com
Saturday 14 March 2020
GOLD COAST
Jeni Bone (Payne, 1987)
CARD & GAMES DAY 2020 (07) 5526 0092 / 0412 230 002 / jeni@edit-it.com.au
Monday 23 March 2020
MELBOURNE
Leonie Gillett (Cresswell, 1961)
(03) 9848 5058 / leonian2@bigpond.com
NEW ENGLAND/NORTHERN DISTRICT
THE CROYDON Helen Loveday (Kinross, 1949)
CIRCLE LUNCHEON – (02) 6721 0583
TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 SUNSHINE COAST
Jane O’Hare (Provan, 1970)
The Croydon Circle is a special group for ex-students 0448 003 895 / jane.ohare@bigpond.com
who are aged in their mid-seventies, eighties, nineties
and beyond. The annual luncheon serves to recognise WESTERN AUSTRALIA *
these ex-students who have the longest connection to Kay Ralph (Teasdell, 1970)
our College's traditions and history. 0438 932 690 / termimesh@westnet.com.au
Ex-students who are 75 years of age and above are
RIVERINA
warmly invited to join us for lunch on Tuesday 22
Catherine Cruickshank (Bassingthwaite, 1986)
October 2019 from 12.00 noon in College Hall. (02) 6927 6353
Invitations and details are to be advised via email *A special thank you to Julia Hewson who has overseen the
and mail closer to the event, however please contact WA Reunion for several years and has recently handed over
alumni@plc.nsw.edu.au or call 02 9704 5635 to the responsibility to Kay Ralph.
register your interest in attending or for further If you would like to volunteer to coordinate a reunion
information. or be the key contact for alumni in your area,
please contact the Alumni Office.
STAY IN TOUCH – UPDATE YOUR DETAILS TODAY
Did you know that our Stay connected in the following ways:
alumni are a powerful Visit: plc.nsw.edu.au/alumni/stay-in-touch
network of 10,000 women
facebook.com/groups/PLCSydneyAlumni
around the world?
@plcsydneyalumni
linkedin.com/school/plc-sydney
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA
37
REUNIONS COMING SOON
SUNSHINE COAST
ANNUAL LUNCH REUNIONS in 2020
Reunite with ex-students in the Sunshine Coast and The following years are invited to celebrate their
surrounding areas over lunch for our annual catch-up later reunions on Jersey Day, 14 March 2020.
this year (date to be confirmed).
Class of 2015 – 5 Year Reunion
Please contact Jane O’Hare (Provan, 1970) for
Class of 2010 – 10 Year Reunion
further information via jane.ohare@bigpond.com or
call 0448 003 895. Class of 2000 – 20 Year Reunion
Class of 1990 – 30 Year Reunion
Class of 1980 – 40 Year Reunion
55th REUNION, CLASS OF 1964 Class of 1970 – 50 Year Reunion
The Class of 1964 will celebrate 55 years since graduation on
Saturday 2 November 2019 at The Grace Hotel, 77 York St, Class of 1960 – 60 Year Reunion
Sydney from 6.00 pm to 11.00pm. Class of 1950 – 70 Year Reunion
ESU NEWS
Please contact Margaret ‘Meg’ Berg (1964) to RSVP via To volunteer to be the Alumni Ambassador for
megberg@hotmail.com or call 0402 309 272.
your class and for more information contact the
Alumni Office.
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 2019
38
ALUMNI REUNITE
ON JERSEY DAY
JERSEY DAY
On Jersey Day, Saturday 9 March,
we welcomed back those alumni
classes celebrating a decade
reunion in 2019.
Attendance numbers were very high
this year and it was fantastic to have
such a celebratory atmosphere on the
grounds, as each class enjoyed a private
reunion in venues across the College.
Ten ex-students from the Class of
1949 celebrated 70 years since they
graduated with a private our of the
archives in Marden. This amazing group
of women still meet almost monthly for
Class of 1949, 70th Reunion with College Council Chairwoman Mrs Leah Russell.
lunch and are all approaching their 90s.
The Class of 1959 marked their 60th
Reunion over a long lunch in the
Macindoe Cafe and while their year
group was only about 20 girls in total,
we welcomed 11 back to the College
on Jersey Day.
In the afternoon the classes of 1969
(50th reunion), 1979 (40th reunion),
1989 (30th reunion), 1999 (20th
reunion), and 2009 (10th reunion)
enjoyed reuniting with each other
and some of their past teachers.
Ex-students had travelled from the
country, interstate, and even overseas
(Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany
and the UK) to attend these reunions
and catch-up with dear friends.
Class of 1959, 60th Reunion.
Class of 1969, 50th Reunion.
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA39
Class of 1979, 40th Reunion. Class of 1979 40th Reunion.
Class of 1989, 30th Reunion. Class of 1999, 20th Reunion.
Class of 2009, 10th Reunion.
ESU NEWS
Class of 2009 Boarders. Class of 1999, 20th Reunion.
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 201940 ART IN THE
GARDENS
In April the ESU held its first ‘Art
in the Gardens’ event. Blessed with
a glorious sunny day, the gardens
looked their absolute best.
Guests chose to sketch Shubra Hall
and settled onto the Sunken Lawn.
Art teacher, Mr Brian Richardson,
explained how to go about framing
a subject in the (artistic) mind’s eye.
He gave a quick demonstration,
gave out boards, paper, pencils and
absolutely essential rubbers. In no
time at all the artists were engrossed
in their drawings.
Following morning tea in Marden,
Mr Richardson explained techniques
in the use of charcoal and all returned
to their artistic endeavours. Some went
on to use pastels and watercolors.
It was unanimously agreed that this is
an event worth repeating and a future
event will be announced later this year.
Thank you so very much to Dr Burgis
for allowing us to hold this event in the
beautiful grounds of PLC Sydney during
the term holidays.
MORNING TEA
WITH THE
CLASS OF 2021
To celebrate the start of their senior
years, the ESU invited Year 10
students to morning tea on Friday
14 June on the Sunken Lawn.
Year 10 marks the start of the
countdown to "life beyond the black
watch tartan" and the ESU is excited to
get to know the students during this
busy and memorable time in their lives.
Here's to the future
Class of 2021!
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA41
ARCHIBALD
EXHIBITION
EVENING TOUR
One of the ESU's most popular
alumni events is a guided tour of the
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize
exhibition each year. For the first
time since the ESU has held this event,
this year the ESU hosted an evening
tour during the first week of the
exhibition and it was a great success.
Ex-students, friends and family, current
and past staff including Miss Audrey
Keown OAM, enjoyed a guided tour
of the 2019 Exhibition at Art Gallery
of New South Wales on Wednesday Archibald Exhibition Evening Tour.
15 May.
Led by a private guide, the group
for discussion and refreshments All members of the College
learned details about each artist's
in the Chiswick Cafe until the Gallery Community are invited to attend
creative process, why they chose their
closed. however tickets are limited. Please
subject and additional background
contact alumni@plc.nsw.edu.au or
about the response to the portrait or The ESU's Morning Tour of the
02 9704 5635 for event information
painting from the judges, the artist, and Archibald Exhibition is on Thursday
and to book.
sitter themselves. After enjoying the 29 August at 8.45am for a 9.00 am
exhibition, the group came together tour, followed by morning tea.
CARD AND
GAMES DAY
On Monday 18 March the ESU held
its popular annual card and games
day at Pymble Golf Club. Numbers
remained steady with 58 guests this
year. It is always a most enjoyable day
and a lovely opportunity to catch up
with the ‘regulars’.
Alumni and friends enjoyed morning tea
Always a great day out at Pymble Golf Club, alumni and friends and were then ready for a competitive
catch up at the annual card and games day. day of Bridge and there was one table
of keen Scrabble players. This is always
a very social event, ex-students enjoyed
a high-tea lunch before the afternoon
games began.
Thank you very much to Margaret
Middleton for making this day possible
due to her connection to the club and
to all of the ex-students and friends,
who continue to support this event.
Next year Card Day is scheduled for
Monday 23 March.
ESU NEWS
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 201942
REUNIONS AROUND
THE COUNTRY
MELBOURNE
On Saturday March 16, 8 ex-students,
from 1949-1973 met at the home
of Sue Pollock (Fletcher, 1962) in
Hawthorn East. The Melbourne group
was formed by Miss Mary Hamilton
before World War II and continues
today. In previous years we would
gather at the Melbourne Botanical
Gardens where we would be served
scones, jam and cream carried to us
from the kiosk to the Rotunda where
we sat be-hatted and be-gloved in our
formal glory. Over the years this venue
was changed to members’ homes.
The Angliss sisters were our hostesses
for many years as were other willing
hostesses. Of latter years we have Melbourne.
mostly met at the homes of Sue Pollock
or Alex Stewart (Thomas, 1964).
Though small, our group has formed ex-students from our years at PLC Melbourne based ex-students are very
a close friendship and through each with whom we are still in contact. welcome to attend.
other we have exchanged news of We will meet next year and all
WESTERN
AUSTRALIA
A group of 11 ex-students got
together over a delicious lunch in
the home garden of our host, Sylvia
Mills (1964), on Saturday 6 April.
The weather was perfect, it was a
most enjoyable time together catching
up on the news of the last year.
Present were Diane O’Flaherty (1962),
Kay Ralph (Teasdell, 1970), Heather
Wilson (Ainsworth, 1951), Pene Wood
(Longshaw, 1964), Kristy Douglass
(1996) with her son Owen aged 3—
very cute!, Barbara Barton (McMurchie,
1968), Mary Hookey (Holder, 1974),
Sylvia Mills (1968), Alison Bird (Turner,
1957) and Julia Hewson (Webster,
1968). It was wonderful to welcome
Katrina Downes (Campbell, 1987) for
the first time.
We acknowledged, the recent sad
passing of our friend and fellow WA
member Judith Swain (Hodsdon). Our
annual book donation to the school Western Australia.
library this year will be in her memory.
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORABRISBANE 43
We had a rocky start to our reunion
with our original venue going into
liquidation and our next venue
washed out on the day (a change for
sunny Queensland), so we moved
next door to The Summit Restaurant
where we had a lovely meal and
great views whilst staying dry. We
had 7 attendees, Pam Ramsey who
has been coming for longer than us
all, Jean Edmonds who has moved
from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane,
Rosie Morris from the Sunshine Coast,
Heather Lemaire-Beards from northern L to R: Trina Hawkins (1970), Heather Lemaire-Beard (Lemaire, 1976), Rosie Morris
(1976), Jean Edmonds (Horsburgh, 1967), Pam Ramsey (Lance, 1950), Margaret Johnson
NSW and Margaret Johnson, Jenille Ball (1958) and Jenille Ball (Campbell, 1968).
and Trina Hawkins Brisbane locals.
CLASS OF 1968
The class of 1968 held a reunion
at the Kirribilli Club on 29 October
2018. We had a wonderful day with 49
ex-students attending. There was lots
of hilarity, sharing of old school photos,
and general catching up as some people
hadn't seen each other since leaving
school.
They came from almost
every state in Australia
and even from Boston.
It was a really fabulous
50 years on.
day.
ESU NEWS
The Boarders, L to R (Back): Julia Hewson (Webster), Branxton Class, L to R (Back): Gail Grunberg, Michele Vuaran
Margaret Royale (McGufficke), Judy Bailey (Cameron), (Whitaker), Cheryl King (Anderson), Kerryn Parry- Jones,
Wendy Bishop (Loveridge), Moya (Min) Smith. Jenny Ferguson (Street), Helen Humphreys (Neal).
L to R (Front): Diane Quinlin, Jacqui Baker (Dye), L to R (Front): Peggy Channon (Lawrenson), Elaine Allen-Narker
Chris Messenger (Carter), Helen Schutz (Simpson). (Hor), Helen Morrissey (Johnson), Margaret Carveth (Charamis).
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 201944 CLASS OF 1961 – 75TH
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
In March of this year those of us who are members of the leaving year
of 1961 held a wonderful ‘75th Birthday Bash’ in Canberra.
Not all of us turn 75 this year but The main event was a lunch on the
we all do within a two year period Saturday (a separate lunch and tour
The joy of Canberra
so it was an excellent excuse to get were organised by one of the husbands is that there are also
together. Marg Dent (Goodacre), for those husbands who attended)
Jill Gallagher (Clark), Jenny Ransley and then a walk and breakfast on many galleries and
(Imrie) and Jane Smyth (Daly) organised Sunday morning for all. Many people exhibitions to visit and
a wonderful event for our celebration. were staying at the Kurrajong Hotel so
We came from all over—Queensland, informal gatherings were held there they kept us all very
New South Wales, South Australia,
Tasmania and Victoria.
on Friday and Saturday nights, which
greatly increased the opportunities
busy as well. It was a
for catching up. marvellous weekend.
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORAWHERE ARE THEY NOW? 45
ISABELLA
TOWNSHEND
(2012)
SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE…
I went straight from PLC Sydney into
an undergraduate medical degree at
Western Sydney University (Bachelor of
Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery). I was 17
turning 18 and did not have an idea of
what to expect for the next five years.
Things were not always smooth sailing
and university was definitely a challenge
and a long-term commitment.
I worked part-time jobs as a coxswain,
retail worker and babysitter throughout
my degree. I deferred my fourth year
of university to travel and know myself
better—it is often difficult to go straight
from high school into more study. I
travelled throughout South America
for six months and it was one of the
best decisions I have ever made. I then
resumed my studies, refreshed, and
finished my degree in December 2018
with first class honours.
I am currently taking more time off in
South America and will start my job as an
intern in January 2020. I did not take the
traditional medical student route, but I Kong. I think PLC allows you to discover SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES
am glad I have done things differently, as your passions and helps you to develop FROM SCHOOL ARE…
there is no real rush and travelling is a them. Another huge part of my life are House gymnastics, art with Mr Fyfe at
different kind of learning. my friends that I still am so close with, The Croydon and all of the travelling
all from PLC. I was able to do with PLC. East Timor
WHAT ROLE HAS YOUR TIME AT PLC and Hong Kong exchange were two of
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
SYDNEY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND/ my favourite trips I was able to take.
TO OUR STUDENTS TODAY ABOUT
OR HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION AT Another favourite memory was when
THEIR JOURNEY BEYOND PLC
PLC SYDNEY SHAPED THE PERSON PLC won IGSSA artistic gymnastics in
SYDNEY?
YOU ARE TODAY? my final year of school and I had the
If I could give any advice it would be to privilege of being the artistic gymnastics
PLC Sydney played an important part in
listen to what your heart wants, trust in captain.
my life. I discovered my love of artistic
gymnastics at school and I am forever yourself and your decisions. Things may
grateful for that opportunity. not often seem clear when you leave CURRENT OCCUPATION:
I also nourished my love of art through from high school to the ‘adult world’, Doctor
ESU NEWS
the fabulous facility at The Croydon. but life reveals your path to you over
I continue to do art today and still have time. There is no problem with taking a CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE:
fond memories of my art teacher, Mr different road to your peers. Seeing the Santiago, Chile
Fyfe. PLC also gave me chances to do world and what is outside of PLC is an
travel with service learning trips to East invaluable type of learning that can put
Timor, Vietnam and exchange to Hong your life and future into perspective.
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 201946 WHAT ROLE HAS YOUR TIME AT PLC
SYDNEY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND/
and stressful times but I am so grateful
for everything I learnt there.
OR HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION AT
PLC SYDNEY SHAPED THE PERSON WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
YOU ARE TODAY? TO OUR STUDENTS TODAY ABOUT
At PLC, I played the flute in the early THEIR JOURNEY BEYOND PLC
years and I played a lot of sports. But I SYDNEY?
was by no way the kind of person who In high school, I was very obsessed with
was involved in every extracurricular getting the perfect UAI (now the ATAR).
activity. However, I definitely made the I thought there was only one way to
most of some of the opportunities that get into the film/television industry and
were put in front of me. I was lucky that was to get that perfect UAI and
enough to go to East Timor in Year 10 attend the film program at UTS (which I
and help build preschools and then believe was 98.9). What I realised later
later that year I went on exchange to was, there are many avenues to get to
Japan. Those experiences changed my where you want and it is not necessarily
RACHEL OWEN life and play a big part in the person a straight path. As long as you are
I am today. determined and believe in yourself,
(2004) you can make it happen. That does
For example, in East Timor we filmed
not mean you shouldn’t work hard at
a lot of the local kids and the East
school because that goes a long way
Timorese people. It was there that I
and I always believe learning is key to
realised my passion for documentary
getting where you want to be. However,
film and photography. It was actually in
SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… if I had it to do over, I would take a deep
a moment in East Timor that I decided
breath and try not to stress. In the end
I went on to UTS where I studied that all I wanted to do with my life was
you will get where you want to be with
Communications which I really loved. tell stories for a living and work in film/
hard work and passion, it just may be
However, I had always wanted to study television. We experienced a completely
a different path than you expect. But it
film and go to college in the US. In my different way of life and a group of
may be an even better path!
final year, I went on exchange to San people who were passionate and
Diego State University where I studied positive despite having their lives torn Another piece of advice which sounds
Television, Film and New Media. apart by war and poverty. I knew those super cliché is to ‘just be yourself’. I
were the stories that I wanted to share was always insecure about ‘fitting in’
After returning home from the US and
with the world. and now I realise the most interesting
spending some time in Los Angeles,
people are the ones who don’t fit in.
I knew I wanted to move there. I started Living in Japan for three months was
I am not ever going to be someone
working at Sky News after Uni as Office an incredible experience. It wasn’t all
who fits into a mould and sometimes I
Assistant and then Sales Coordinator. easy but it definitely changed my life
can be a little quirky and awkward but
After a year, I was lucky enough to get for the better. I think that Japan made
that’s me and I can’t be anyone but me.
a one-year work and travel visa to the me stronger as a person because I was
So, embrace your inner dorkiness and
US and so I packed my bags and moved pushed outside of my comfort zone, but
be yourself! I promise that ‘being cool’
to LA. those are the experiences that make
means absolutely nothing after high
you a better person and I am thankful
On moving to LA, I started working at school. The coolest people in my eyes
to PLC for that experience for sure.
a documentary and independent film are the ones who dare to be different
distribution company called 7th Art I also believe in choosing the classes and I really believe that they will be the
Releasing as the Director of PR and that you love but that push you. At first, ones to change the world.
Social Media. I then moved on to work 3-unit Japanese was one of the hardest
in Sales and Marketing at an aviation- and scariest classes I had ever taken SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES
themed film studio where we provided because I hated impromptu speaking. FROM SCHOOL ARE...
sets for shows like Grey’s Anatomy and I remember one day having an anxiety Probably House Choir Nights. I still
Bridesmaids. About two years ago, I attack in class at the prospect of not sing loudly in the car to some of those
started working at The Lot Studios. The only doing an impromptu speech, but songs!
Lot was built in 1918 and is a full-service doing it all in Japanese. It was only in
studio for TV, film and commercial front of four people but they were my
CURRENT OCCUPATION:
production. I primarily handle the leasing peers who I respected and I could not
of our office spaces to writer’s rooms move or speak. But that fear is what Studio Services Manager at The Lot
and productions as well as handle the pushed me to work harder than I had Studios
day-to-day operations of the Studio. ever worked. And, in the end, I aced
that class. It definitely taught me that CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE:
In my spare time, I like to write and one
hard work pays off and that being Los Angeles, California.
of my goals is to write for TV (along with
uncomfortable isn’t always a bad thing.
the other 80% of people who live in LA).
3-Unit Japanese ended up being my
I also run a fashion and lifestyle blog
favourite class!
called ‘The Sweater Dork’ and I am about
to launch a new website called ‘The I am very thankful to PLC for shaping
Aussie’s Guide to LA’ which aims to be a me into the person I am today. I didn’t
one-stop shop for Australians looking to realise that was what was happening at
visit, move or live in LA and/or the US. the time, and there were some tough
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORAas well. Much of it has been to re-
organise or transform businesses. This
better to be happy. Strangely enough it
all works out no matter what—just not
47
is fascinating and I never ceased to be the way we may have thought.
amazed at the wonderful ideas people
have and come up with to continually If there is something you want to do,
improve business. or an opportunity of interest comes
your way, take it. Even if you are not
I have owned my own businesses and
sure what to do, take it. We never know
started up a couple too, including a
what the world will bring and where it
catering business. Mostly I have owned
and grown consulting businesses in can lead you. Remember, people regret
Australia and Asia – primarily in human what they have not done, not what they
resources, change and leadership. have done.
Currently, along with my consulting SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES
work (my business is called The Human
FROM SCHOOL ARE...
Resources Department), I am a Director
JENNIFER DIGNAM on two not for profit boards. Telling Ros Rennie that I was going to
be a Nun. I think she just laughed at
(Clark, 1979) We are often told people will have five
that. Skiing with Marina Clark (Lvoff) and
careers in their life from hereon in.
Alison Sefton and thinking we were very
I have already had that and always look
naughty, whilst really we were simply
forward to doing new things, or being
able to bring my skills and experience naïve and having good fun.
to assist businesses and people. Training most mornings and many
SINCE LEAVING SCHOOL I HAVE… afternoons—either gymnastics, netball,
I have lived in Sydney, Canberra,
I left PLC not knowing what I wanted Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Singapore softball or athletics. Going to school on
to do. I joined the public sector and and now Launceston. I am not sure the train and all the social activities that
was quickly promoted before my 19th where I will live next, if I move, or if I do went with that. I lived at Cronulla and
birthday, and then again before my not. Life is an adventure, and I try to take so it was a long train trip each way. And
20th birthday. Those two years, were it with both hands and see what then there was the day we could not
wonderful, as they helped me identify it brings. get to school due to flooding at Gymea
that I wanted to work with people—
although the roles I have held since station.
WHAT ROLE HAS YOUR TIME AT PLC
were not available then. Drama classes with Audrey Keown, I
SYDNEY PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE AND/
I went to university and did a BA, OR HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION AT loved these and learning how to speak
and then after a year back at work, PLC SYDNEY SHAPED THE PERSON and project my voice—a very useful
I undertook a Graduate Diploma in YOU ARE TODAY? skill that I continue to use today. And of
Secretarial Studies. I completed my I think I did not really know how much course various school plays.
Masters many years later, however PLC shaped my life until I was in my
have other qualifications from TAFE Jackie Dillon asking me not to sing in
30s. I had the opportunity to take
and other organisations including assembly as I am hopeless (and she
on leadership roles at school, which
an Australian Institute of Company allowed me to learn and appreciate was right!). And then my friends tell me
Directors qualification. My learning has people and learn to support others I took some classes, as I was not happy
been ongoing and I love to find out new in their endeavours, which in the end with the teachers and the teaching.
things, even if they do not relate to assisted me in mine. Oops, I hopefully have better diplomacy
my work. now. Oh and Sue McKeith suggesting
I think also the values you learn at PLC,
Most of my career has been in human I would make a good diplomat.
including education, gratitude, giving
resources, change management and
back to others and understanding the Having my uniform checked for length,
business transformation from a people
fortune you have bestowed on you, although once I got to school it usually
perspective. I have worked in the public
have been very important for me. came off for a sports tunic and those
sector, private enterprise and as a
consultant and contractor. I have the The friendships, which have lasted for glorious bloomers! Oh yes and the
pleasure of training people from all so long, and so many of them have fabulous blue ‘Speedos’ with our initials
walks of life and being able to share given me a great grounding. They have embroidered on them and the red
my knowledge as a public speaker and provided lots of laughter, support and swimming cap (helmet).
as a teacher for various universities. kindness and I hope I have given those
Of course all of this has been around back too. When I think back, there was so much
people, management and leadership. that I remember and value.
I also coach and mentor people to WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
assist them to be the best they can TO OUR STUDENTS TODAY ABOUT CURRENT OCCUPATION:
be, whatever that may mean for them.
ESU NEWS
THEIR JOURNEY BEYOND PLC Consultant
Everyone has a different meaning of SYDNEY?
success.
The advice I give to people is to find CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE:
My work has taken me throughout what your passion is and pursue it. Launceston, Tasmania.
Australia, some of New Zealand and People get caught up in money, they
I have had the fortune to work in Asia have it around the wrong way. It is
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 201948
OUR ALUMNI
WHAT DO THEY WANT?
In October and November 2018, Since the Survey was conducted, the ESU has been working to
address major concerns expressed in the survey and is:
the College and Ex-Students’ Union
• collaborating with the Social Science department's
(ESU) conducted the first in-depth Women In Enterprise program to offer student mentoring
survey of the alumni community. with ex-students who graduated in the last 10 years
• working closely with the Futures Centre on careers focused
events including the Futures Breakfast series (page 24)
The purpose of the survey was to review current and the Careers Forum in Term 3 which enable recent
alumni activities and gain honest input and feedback graduates to share their experience with current students
from ex-students about ESU events, communications
and future plans. • exploring digital services that will enhance the ESU's website
presence and improve the way Alumni network with each
The survey was conducted with the assistance of MMG other and with the College.
Education and was offered to alumni as a confidential
questionnaire. In response to other feedback, the inaugural Heritage Walking
tour of the school grounds, in partnership with College
Major findings of the survey were the need to increase Archives, takes place in late-June.
understanding of the ESU among ex-students who graduated
between 2000 and 2017; look to establish new events that The ESU has held a comprehensive Planning Day to discuss
appeal to the younger alumni cohorts including networking the feedback and to set a strategy for the next five years, and
and mentoring opportunities; and to improve and increase consider more suggestions provided by the Survey. Alumni
communication to all alumni. will be invited to provide input to this process, and we thank
each ex-student in advance for their support as we work to
enhance our program.
ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK
“I think five year reunions would be fantastic, especially the “I had a good all round education. I made lifelong friends…
first five years after leaving school. 10 years is a long time, I was introduced to a love of sport. I was shown the
especially the first ten years!” importance of living and caring for the wider community
and the less well off (Dorcas, etc.).”
“We need events that create connections in the workforce. “I think there needs to be more activities for working
ESU needs to be for the young or those in the workforce, or women.”
owners of their businesses, not just mature ex-students.”
“I really like what was done this year on Jersey Day.
Having many decade reunions on Jersey Day gave it a “I think the school really
really good vibe.”
fosters self-confidence,
independent thought and
“As a mature woman I have grown to understand that my pride in achievements—the
years at PLC provided me with a strong belief in myself, friends I have from school
having female mentors and leaders around me in my
formative years was purposeful and enabled me to develop are an exceptional bunch
my own leadership style.”
of women.”
PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORASURVEY RESPONSES: ALUMNI BY YEAR GROUP 49
18 %
77 % 7 19 6
01 5&
Alumni -2
Response
EA
01
% 2
R
20
Rate
4
L IE
OF ALUMNI
6
HAVE ATTENDED
R
2
%
A REUNION Survey
Responses
By Year
Group
20
198
77 %
80 %
%
30
%
6-
00
20
85
9
6 -1
LOYALTY/AFFINITY OF ALUMNI 196
FOR THE SCHOOL PREFER DIGITAL
AMONG ALUMNI INVITATIONS
DAY GIRLS BOARDERS BOTH
80% 14% 6%
THE FOUR FUTURE INITIATIVES THAT REGISTER THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF INTEREST ARE:
1
College Tours/
2
Ex-students
3
Career
4
Mentoring
Visit for Business Networking for Current
Ex-students Directory Activity Students
TOP 3 WHAT DO EX-STUDENTS VALUE
ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE FROM
THEIR TIME AT PLC SYDNEY?
REQUESTS TO
IMPROVE Printed version of
COMMUNICATION: magazine or newsletter
ESU NEWS
Easier way to update
alumni contact details
More timely
communication FRIENDSHIPS
ISSUE 9 / WINTER 20191 Meta Street Croydon NSW 2132 Phone (+612) 9704 5666 Fax (+612) 9744 0519 enquiries@plc.nsw.edu.au www.plc.nsw.edu.au All material appearing in Camphora is copyright. Reproduction is not permitted unless otherwise authorised. MP;PR3231;-2019-06
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