Deputy Principal - Staff & Student Wellbeing

You don’t have to wait until Year 12 to be a leader… Murrundindi

What has been most evident in the first weeks of Term 1 has been the exuberant energy and gusto with which our students, staff and families have launched themselves into life at St Catherine’s School. There is so much happening on any given day at our school, so much so that the recent holidays are already a distant memory.

This week has seen so many momentous milestones in school life which remind us that every day we are given the opportunity to be our best selves, to act with kindness, respect and consideration towards ourselves and others. This week we have been invited to reflect on our society and culture and to listen for the sounds of the natural world, our environment. These simple yet powerful practices allow each individual the opportunity to pause and resist the modern tendency towards acceleration and exhaustion. Of course, it is through simple consideration of other perspectives that our character is enriched, as we are called to act from a place of goodness and care. At St Catherine’s, students are encouraged every day whether in the classroom or within a co-curricular context to see a world of possibility and find their place in it. Students and staff are encouraged to explore, to inquire and in doing so, find meaning, peace and a place of belonging.

Our annual Whole School Assembly held in the Junior School, included a Welcome to Country by respected Elder of the Wurundjeri people and longtime friend of St Catherine’s, Murrundindi. This Assembly was a perfect example of young and old coming together as a collective to listen and enjoy the ancient stories of our Indigenous brothers and sisters. We were mesmerised by the sounds of the yidaki (digeridoo) which resounded and stirred the nearby birds to sing in the sky above.  Later that day, the Year 7 Induction Service took place at Toorak Uniting Church where our young Year 7 students were formally inducted into the Senior School community supported by their peers, families, their Head of Year Ms Kathryn Lucas and House Tutors. Having recently experienced the end of the St Catherine School journey with the Class of 2025, I was reminded of another Rose Ceremony. How quickly the time passes. This is just another reminder to make the most of every day. And here we return to Murrundindi’s words – you do not have to wait until Year 12 to be a leader.

Somewhere in between Year 7 and 12, St Catherine’s students in Year 9 and 10 are invited to start their Leadership Diploma. The Leadership Diploma is a two-year program that seeks to develop student skills in the areas of academic responsibility, personal agency and community service in the hope that every student reaches their own understanding and experience of life, meaningful relationships and respectful leadership. These complex concepts can and do take many forms for each student.

As we come to the end of our week, we are delighted and energised by the irrepressible energy of our Rowing Crews who have worked so hard and passionately as they approach their regatta season. These unbelievable young people remind us on a daily basis of the sheer depth of human capacity to push physical boundaries whilst seeking to manage studies and life in general. This is such a testament of character that is valued and nurtured at St Catherine’s School. And so, we have made it to the end of our week, and once again, we come together as a Senior School for our annual House Cross Country carnival. What a wonderful morning it was. Here we have had another opportunity, this time in our Houses to share the spirit of goodwill and friendly competition within the context of our legendary houses of Beaulieu Blair, Davis, Holmes Kilbride and Langley Templeton. In this way, the past as represented by namesakes of these Houses remains present and resonates in the daily lives of our students and staff.

During this most exciting time of their life, within the caring embrace of the St Catherine’s School community, our students immerse themselves in a myriad of experiences – which extend far beyond this page. Each experience, however big or small, is significant and serves to strengthen the thread of gold and blue which reaches deep into our school history. In getting involved and seeking to be our very best; in working through challenges in a supportive and realistic setting, we celebrate each student and staff member for the individual that they are and the many riches they offer our community. And we are better for the experience.

Ms Vasiliki Spanos

Deputy Principal - Student & Staff Wellbeing