Celebrations & Congratulations

St Helena student wins the 2023 Pauline Toner Prize 

Pauline Toner was the first female cabinet minister in the Parliament of Victoria.  Each International Women's Day her legacy is recognised by Member for Eltham Vicki Ward by awarding one young woman from local schools with the Pauline Toner Prize for her leadership and contribution to the community. 

We are so proud of the 2023 winner Martina CHARALAMBOUS.

From Vicki Ward's office:

Our community is home to so many passionate, strong and driven young women who are not only inspiring but paving the way for those who will follow them.

Each year for International Women's Day, I ask our local high schools to nominate one student who is active in the areas of social justice, the environment and/or gender equality - not an easy task I know! And this forms the nominees for the annual Pauline Toner Prize.

The Prize not only recognises these young girls but remembers the achievements of the Hon. Pauline Toner MP - the first female Victorian State Government Minister, the first female state member for Greensborough and the first female Mayor and Councillor for Diamond Valley.

This year, like every year, we had no shortage of incredible nominees which made it a difficult decision for our selection panel. This year the prize was awarded to Martina from St Helena Secondary College for her strong passion and determination for social justice, the environment and reconciliation - and she's also a Venturer! Congratulations Martina, and to all of the nominees - Evey, Isobel, Lois and Scarlett.

State Schools Victoria Division Swimming

from Sport Captain Tahlia McLaren

Last week we had the SSV division swimming championships, St Helena had 48 swimmers compete throughout the day in individual events or a relay. Everyone did an incredible job and represented St Helena very nicely and we are so proud of everyone. The top 2 swimmers from each race go through to regionals and St Helena have 26 swimmers including 7 replay teams going through across medley and freestyle relays. 

Shout out to Darcee Loo-Kercheval for placing 1st in all of her events. Congratulations to all our year 7s who competed in their first high school swimming, you all did an amazing job.