As I write we are approaching the middle of Term 2, and with gratitude for living our motto, Non Nobis Solum – Not for Ourselves Alone, I begin with deep appreciation for our students, staff and families who continue to enrich not only the lives of our St Hilda’s Community, but also our wider local and global communities.
Earlier this month, over forty of our St Hilda’s girls took the stage as part of the cast of The Addams Family musical hosted by TSS. It was a fabulous production, and our girls’ performances were inspiring. A culmination of months of rehearsals, it was a lovely joint venture. We will soon announce the St Hilda’s School Musical for 2025, and again partner with TSS to provide this learning experience and opportunity to perform on stage together.
Many of our Goondiwindi families opened their homes to day students who travelled out west with our boarders over the show weekend. It was lovely to witness the beauty of the region and the warmth of our community as families reunited.
We were blessed to host acclaimed Australian journalist and foreign correspondent Mr Peter Greste earlier this term for a special Assembly and Q&A event driven by two remarkable Year 12 Students, Audrey and Zara, and our Head of Faculty – Religious Education and Ethics, Mrs Catherine Syms. Discussions with Mr Greste were meaningful and thought-provoking and left our audience with important areas for reflection on topics such as journalistic integrity, navigating the truth in today's dynamic world, and the significance of seeking solutions amidst challenges. Thanks to the initiative of our International Group, and the generosity and support of our community, more than $2,500 was raised for Peter Greste’s not-for-profit charity, Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom. Additionally, this was the first event to be hosted in our new Granowski Auditorium.
The Performing Arts staff have eagerly awaited their move into this remarkable building and the Senior students were full of praise for the space as the first exams were held in the auditorium this week. On Friday 31 May, The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ Archbishop of Brisbane, will bless and officially open the Bourne-Fittock and Granowski Buildings. It will be a truly special day in our community, and in the afternoon the Sherilee Ramsey memorial basketball game will take place in the Sports Complex, followed by the Ignite Performing Arts showcase, featuring Opera Queensland and alumnae performers in the new Granowski Auditorium. If you are yet to secure your tickets for Ignite, I strongly encourage you to do so as there is limited space, and this will truly be a night to remember.
Professional Learning
It is with great pride that we see our incredible teachers at St Hilda’s School share their passion for learning and education with their peers and colleagues. Senior School Teacher, Mrs Majda Benzenati recently presented at the ISQ Curriculum Leaders' Forum, sharing invaluable insights on the topic of cultivating transformational learning: developing trust and making meaning in our professional practice. Earlier this term, Senior School Teacher and St Hilda’s School Old Girl,
Jayne Schinckel presented “Teaching in the Age of Bots” at the International Coalition of Girls Schools Educating Girls Symposium.
Many staff across Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior School, and in our Operational teams, take on additional responsibilities with important educational bodies such as QCE and QCAA, and enhance our offering to students and staff with their knowledge and representation of St Hilda’s School. I would like to make special mention of Mrs Amanda Shuttlewood who amongst other committee work, is part of the QCAA K-10 Curriculum and Assessment Committee and the IPSHA Representative on the Queensland College of Teachers committee. Contributing to the wider education landscape is such an important aspect to living out our values and aspirations, modelling excellence in girls’ education and a servant mindset.
MMG Stakeholder feedback
Thank you to our St Hilda’s parents, staff and students (Year 5 – 12) for providing feedback through the MMG Stakeholder feedback survey. We have had high response rates, and the key themes will be shared with the community early next term. This feedback will help to inform our School Improvement and Strategic plans.
National Boarding Week and Boarding Tours
It has been a joyful and busy couple of weeks on the road, beginning our Boarding Tours to the places our Boarders call home. Two weeks ago, Head of Boarding Mrs Amanda Rigby, and Head of Enrolments Ms Kaitlin Barrell and I travelled to Goondiwindi where we attended the Aspects Art Show Opening night and enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Goondiwindi Golf & Country Club, participating in the Chip, Putt, and Chat event while connecting with families. We’re thrilled to also announce that two talented St Hilda’s School artists, Erin and Anastasia, and St Hilda’s School Old Girl, Lucinda, were prize-winners at the Aspects Art Show. Last week, we attended Rockhampton’s Beef Week and the ICPA (Isolated Children Parents’ Association) meeting. It was fabulous to connect with Old Girls, as well as current and new families across the three days. This week, we have been celebrating National Boarding Week, and a series of events that celebrate the connectedness of our community. Thank you to all the students involved.
At St Hilda's School, it is the deep connections of community that continue to make our school such a special place of learning and growing. Please continue to reach out to myself and the rest of our team if we can provide any assistance to you or your daughter.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mrs Virginia Warner
Principal
