Community News

The Ruth Langley Luncheon celebrates community, connection and 130 years of St Catherine’s

The Parents’ and Friends’ Association was delighted to host the Ruth Langley Luncheon on Friday 29 May at the Carousel in Albert Park, bringing together parents and Old Girls to celebrate St Catherine’s 130th anniversary and the remarkable strength of our School community.

Guests were welcomed into a light-filled venue beautifully styled with orchids, blue ribbons and elegant chinoiserie-inspired touches. With champagne flowing and conversation filling the room, the atmosphere was warm, vibrant and unmistakably St Catherine’s. Amid the lively chatter and laughter, the afternoon's proceedings were kept running smoothly by current parent and emcee Mrs Catherine Roosenberg, whose effortless professionalism ensured the event unfolded seamlessly. Guests were also treated to beautiful solo performances by St Catherine’s Year 10 students Lucy L and Camilla A.

We were honoured to welcome The Honourable Linda Dessau (’69) AC CVO, former Governor of Victoria and a distinguished St Catherine’s Old Girl, as our guest speaker. In conversation with Principal Ms Natalie Charles, Linda shared reflections on resilience in the face of loss, her trailblazing career in law and sports leadership and the importance of respectful and civil public discourse. She also highlighted the need for early mental health intervention and addressed the ongoing challenge of antisemitism within society.

Throughout the discussion, Linda reflected on the values that shaped her journey and the role education played in fostering a sense of responsibility to others. Her distinguished career stands as a powerful example of leadership grounded in integrity, compassion and service, while her enduring connection to St Catherine’s demonstrated the lasting impact of a supportive school community.

Events such as the Ruth Langley Luncheon remind us that the strength of St Catherine’s lies not only in its history, but in the people who continue to support it. The generosity of our community was evident throughout the event, with parents, Old Girls and supporters enthusiastically contributing prizes for the much-loved Lucky Envelopes and Silent Auction. The Live Auction proved a particular highlight of the afternoon, with guests bidding for extraordinary prizes generously donated by Anton Jewellery, Rowena Martinich (’97) and Adam D'Sylva. Equally sought-after was the opportunity for two lucky Junior School girls to become "Principal for a Day", stepping into Dr Kean’s shoes, and no doubt, keeping Barbreck running with equal efficiency (although perhaps with extra playtime and a very different timetable!).

All funds raised at the lunch will go towards projects in the Junior School. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the St Catherine’s community, the event was not only a wonderful celebration of our 130-year history, but also a reminder of the care and collective spirit that unite generations of St Catherine’s families and Old Girls.

Mrs Lisa Yazbek

PFA President 

Playgroup at St Catherine's

We are delighted to bring Playgroup to our St Catherine's School timetable.

Every Friday, 9:30am - 10:30am, we invite you to join us for a relaxed, hosted morning where you and your child (18 months - 3 years) can explore, play and make new friends. 

Free Music and Library sessions; Baby First Aid; coffee and company.

Co-educational.  All welcome. Bring a friend!

Years 4 - 6 Fathers' Evening with Dr David Buttifant

Thursday 11 June 2026

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Selina Yao Auditorium

Drinks and nibbles provided

We warmly invite all fathers of girls in Years 4 - 6 to join us for an enjoyable evening that brings fathers together over drinks, conversation and a few practical takeaways.

We are delighted to welcome Dr David Buttifant, who spent 13 years at Collingwood Football Club as Director of Sports Science, playing a key role in building the trust, culture and performance behind their success.

RSVP by Monday 8 June.