Deputy Principal - Staff & Student Wellbeing

It was with great joy that we welcomed the Class of 2025 to our School Leavers’ Assembly on Monday 23 February. Having been through a three-year learning journey with this wonderful cohort, it was moving to see the students, confident, happy and excited about the next stage of their life journey. The morning started with a panel presentation and discussion from SCOGA members, Marigold Hayward, Grace Cannon and Sophie Abbott. These three dynamic women are at different stages of their life and encouraged the audience of recent St Catherine’s School graduates to consider their pathways as fluid and ever evolving, reflecting their changing life and their own personal passions. Personal authenticity and courage to be oneself and the ability to follow one’s path were underlined, as was the need to be adaptable in redirecting our course at any given time.

How inspiring it was to see the tangible connection between our St Catherine’s Alumnae. At recess, the Class of 2025 was welcomed by their VCE teachers who were so proud to see the growth and difference that even a few summer months have brought. There was much reminiscing as well as discussion of bright future plans. As we moved to our Leaver’s Assembly in the Senior Hall, 2025 Dux of St Catherine’s School, Ms Natalie Wang, addressed the Senior School reflecting on her Year 12 experience,

At the start of last year, I imagined Year 12 as a polished, defining final chapter of school. That expectation was quickly challenged by setbacks, both shared and personal, which shaped the year in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Those setbacks, rather than detracting from the year, became part of what shaped it. Each challenge brought a lesson, helping me grow both as a student and as a person; learning the importance of breaks and balance, to appreciate the small things, to shift my perspective on situations and to lean on others for support. These lessons became part of the foundation of my Year 12 experience, shaping how I approach both school and life beyond it.

The Class of 2025 has so much to be proud of and we celebrate their rich and vibrant contribution to our school life and wish them every joy in life.

Ms Vasiliki Spanos

Deputy Principal - Student & Staff Wellbeing