Student Agency & Growth 

New House Patrons

On behalf of the Student Voice and Leadership Team, I am pleased to announce that our houses from 2024 onwards will be:

TONER HOUSE 

House Patron: Pauline Toner 

The first female Cabinet member of Victoria, Pauline Toner was an advocate for the environment, community services, young people and education. She was a passionate campaigner and instigator of the Eltham Copper Butterfly Reserve, which is now named in her honour.

​

SKIPPER HOUSE

House Patron: Sonia Skipper

Sonia Skipper was a prolific artist and painter with works featured in collections across Australia. As the daughter of founding members of Montsalvat, she was responsible for constructing the barn at Montsalvat and completed several of the carvings in the main Montsalvat building. Sonia's legacy represents the shift towards recognising the contributions of female artists at Montsalvat. 

PAKANA HOUSE

House Patron: Uncle Charles Pakana

Uncle Charles Pakana is an Indigenous Australian journalist and Head of Victorian Aboriginal News. He has worked extensively within mental health awareness and advocating for widespread acceptance for those with mental health issues. Uncle Charles is an active member of the Eltham community and comes to speak with Year 12s every year about Indigenous Australians. Pakana is a Palawa word that comes from the north of Tasmania and refers to the Indigenous people of the area. 

EVERARD HOUSE

House Patron: William Everard

William (Bill) Everard represented this district in the Legislative Assembly for many years. We believe it’s important to retain Everard House to recognise the ongoing support from the Everard family through the W H Everard Award for Social and Environmental Responsibility. 

LAUREN MCNALLY, Student Growth and Agency