Around the Grounds

English, Humanities and Social Sciences

John Locke Essay Competition

Run by Oxford and Princeton Universities and the John Locke Institute, the John Locke Essay competition is the most prestigious high school essay competition in the world. Each year, high school students are invited to respond to a set list of Humanities and Social Science topics across a range of disciplines. The 2000-word essay mirrors what is required in Liberal Arts courses at university. 

St Catherine’s encourages students to submit an essay as it allows them to deepen their knowledge of a subject they are passionate about without the pressures of grading. Furthermore, the essay submission can be included as part of the Super Curriculum that many universities are now requesting from students, where they indicate their interest in learning outside of the mandates of school. 

This year over 19,000 students submitted their essay for submission, including two St Catherine’s Year 8 students, Mia P and Soraya L.

Earlier in the year, we received the exciting news that both Soraya and Mia had been shortlisted for the prestigious award. As part of being shortlisted, students are invited to Oxford to the prizegiving, where they can discuss their essays with Oxford, Princeton and Cambridge Professors. They also have the opportunity to meet the admissions chairs of the departments for Oxford and Cambridge. 

This week, we were thrilled to learn that Mia’s essay ‘Should Vaccination be Mandated in a Public Health Emergency’ received a Commendation Award at the ceremony. This is a tremendous achievement. 

Competitions such as the John Locke prize provide our students with opportunities to engage in ethical thinking and the ideas of classical thinkers in a deep and sustained manner. We congratulate both Soraya and Mia for their shortlisting, and encourage all students to submit essays next year. 

Ms Kristy Forrest 

Head of Professional Practice/English and Philosophy teacher 

Music notes

As we look back on the term thus far, it’s hard not to feel inspired by how our musicians have supported the many different events around the School. Whether it’s been providing musical accompaniment for the Art Show or serenading parents as they arrived at the Principal's Open Morning, along with a multitude of Year 12 end-of-year events, the enthusiasm and discipline shown have been exceptional.  

The recent opening of The Alexandria was also a wonderful highlight for our musicians. It wasn’t just about showcasing high-quality musicians, it was about the genuine connection with the St Catherine’s community and the joy it imparts to all that are able to experience live performance. 

Upcoming Dates  

Recital Night: Thursday 22 October, 3:40pm, Myer Family Auditorium 

Come along to support our soloists as they share what they have been working on. 

Instrumental Lessons 2027  

Just a quick heads-up for families: if you need to discontinue instrumental music lessons for Term 1, 2027, please make sure to submit a discontinuation form by Monday 9 November using the following link: St Catherine's School - Discontinue Lessons 

Mr Francis Blakiston

Head of Music

Sport news

Year 6 SSV Cricket

On 14 October, our enthusiastic Year 6 cricket team competed in a District Tournament against our local all girls' schools. The appreciative crowd enjoyed the day's play as St Catherine's encountered some close games and good competition. The girls' skills improved remarkably during the training sessions. We finished fourth, and in the middle of the pack, a commendable performance. Thank you to Ms Pecchiar for coaching.

Mr Paul McMahon

Junior School Sport Coordinator

Equestrian - Australian Interschools results

Congratulations to Georgie A (Year 9) and Clementine W (Year 8) who recently represented St Catherines at the Interschools National Championships held at Werribee during the September school holidays. 

Competing in the Intermediate Show Horse discipline against some of the country's best school-aged riders, Georgie delivered a fantastic performance, placing 4th in the Rider Phase and finishing 9th overall nationally. Clementine competed in the Intermediate Novice - 2.2 Dressage discipline, placing 7th overall.

This achievement reflects Georgie and Clementine’s dedication, hard work and commitment to their riding and we are incredibly proud of their efforts and sportsmanship throughout the competition.  

Mr Nick Brimacombe

Senior School Sports Administrator 

Performing Arts

Act One: Middle Years' Play

Congratulations to the cast and crew of this year’s Middle Years’ production, Act One. Staged in the Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre, 38 students from Years 7, 8 and 9 brought three one-act comedies to life across four performances, making audiences laugh from the first scene to the last. 

Over 10 weeks of Wednesday and Friday rehearsals across Terms 3 and 4, the cast worked on the skills that make comedy one of the most demanding forms of theatre, including character development, ensemble blocking, physical comedy and, above all, timing. 

In Recess by P. E. Dagogi, the wise Ms Bacus offers a fellow teacher some advice for surviving a difficult class: 'Stay calm. Say less. Wait longer than feels comfortable.' It could just as easily be a note on comic timing, and our performers took it to heart in their collaborative work. 

In The Big Bang by T. Devon, small misunderstandings grew into one gloriously ill-fated finale, and the cast delivered every escalation with precision. When the smoke cleared, Major Gowen’s verdict of 'Good shot!' could have been their review. The Snow by Finegan Kruckemeyer closed the evening with playful ensemble storytelling. It reminded us that 'Young people are actually quite good at solutions,' and that it is 'the warmth of a community reunited' that melts even the coldest divides. 

What stood out most was how these students grew as collaborators. Comedy depends on trust and generosity between performers, and the cast showed both in every play. I was very impressed by their positivity and support towards their fellow performers, delivered in abundance with energy and care. 

Our crew of eight deserves equal applause. Working on sound, lighting and backstage management, they ensured every cue, prop and scene change was achieved with precision. Their commitment is a reminder that great theatre is always a team effort. 

My sincere thanks to Ms Kathryn Lucas and Ms Lucy Mason for their tireless work in all facets of this production, to Ms Katherine Semenov for her creative set and prop design, to Ms Rhiannon Gilmore and our technical team, to our maintenance team, to the entire Creative Arts Auxiliary for their front-of-house support and providing an amazing lunch on Saturday between shows, and to the families who supported our production – from auditions in Term 2 through to bump out on Saturday night. 

10 weeks, three plays, countless laughs, and an immeasurable sense of accomplishment, pride and community. Well done to every student involved. We cannot wait to see what you do next. 

Mr James Brown 

Head of Performing Arts 

Visual Arts 

VCE Art Show 

At the recent VCE Art Show, a parent reminded me of the importance of having a voice through Visual Arts and how the Arts create a safe space for students to express what matters to them. Evident in the exhibition was how our young people explored what they think about, what they miss, what strengthens them, what entertains and excites them, as well as societal issues, health and wellbeing, love, loss, family and friendship. They reflected on how they would like the world to be and how it could be improved. Amid the 'Is that straight?' and 'Where are the pins?' moments, this conversation was a poignant reminder of the depth, insight and thoughtfulness of our students' thinking. 

Below are some creations from our VCE students from across all disciplines of Visual Arts. 

Spotlight on student artworks across Visual Communication Design, Media and Art

Environments, Unit 3/4 Visual Communication Design, May A. 

‘How might we design affordable housing that fosters equality, dignity, and community without segregation?’ Required is a response to Australia’s growing housing crisis, aiming to provide long-lasting and reasonably priced homes that support community and a sense of belonging. The four-level development incorporates a flexible modular approach, allowing dwelling configurations to adapt to changing housing needs, including studios and larger family-oriented spaces. Shared areas, greenery and sustainable materials support affordability, accessibility and community while responding to Melbourne’s surrounding architectural character. 

An Ordinary Home-cooked Dinner, Unit 1/2 Art Creative Practice, Rosamond L. 

「民以食為天」— Food is central to life. In my family, food is more than sustenance; it is a vessel for culture, memory and belonging. Growing up in a multigenerational immigrant family, I have witnessed how cultural traditions can gradually fade as families adapt to new environments, inherit limited knowledge of cultural practices, or simply grow distant from them. Through the seemingly ordinary yet significant scene of a family dinner, I explore this quiet disconnection between myself, my parents and my grandparents. As the meal shifts from traditional Chinese dishes to a blend of Chinese and Western foods, and finally to a predominantly Western meal, it reflects the changing cultural identities within my family. Yet, even as traditions recede, food continues to bring us together.When heritage becomes distant from our everyday lives, what does it mean to reconnect with it, and why might we choose to? 

In Between-与我与非我之间,Unit 3/4 Media,Jia Ni T 

In Between explores the connection that can form between young women through shared experiences of growing up, social expectations and being seen by others, creating a sense of 'spiritual twinship'. 

Set within the stillness of nature, the series follows two young women through moments of closeness, recognition and emotional resonance, allowing one to recognise feelings, struggles and parts of herself in another. Through these moments, the series celebrates the intimacy, solidarity and quiet strength within female relationships. 

'We are not truly twins, yet in certain moments of growing up – when we are being gazed upon, expected, disciplined, understood or overlooked – we share similar experiences and emotions. In each other, we see a reflection of ourselves.' 

Creative Spirit Awards: 

Ava L, Holly P, Charlotte B, Hattie K, Indira S, Jessica E. 

Anna Tegner Award: 

Hazel W

Dr Max Darby Award: 

Matilda D

Maintenance Team Prize:

Grace M

Honourable mentions: 

May A – Visual Communication Design and Art Creative Practice

Hattie K – Art Creative Practice and Media

Jia Ni (Jenny) T – Media

Angel C – Visual Communication Design

Poppy C – Visual Communication Design 

Mrs Vicki Marinelli 

Head of Arts 

Languages 

French Day in the Junior School

On Tuesday 13 October, the Junior School celebrated French Day with a wonderful day of French language, culture and creativity!

Students enjoyed a delicious French snack of madeleines and Petit Prince biscuits, bringing a little taste of France to the school day. They also took part in a special Yoga in French incursion, combining movement, relaxation and language learning in a fun and engaging way.

Throughout the day, students explored French arts and culture through a range of creative craft activities. Meanwhile, our Year 5 and 6 students took on a different challenge, completing an escape room designed to teach them about the inspiring life of Louis Braille, the French inventor who developed the Braille reading and writing system.

A special highlight was welcoming some of our Year 7 and 8 students, who joined the celebrations to play games with the younger children and lend a helping hand with their craft activities. It was lovely to see students across the School connecting, collaborating and sharing their enthusiasm for French.

French Day was a joyful celebration of language, culture and community, and a lovely day was had by all!

Ms Olivia Latrache

Junior School French Teacher