Danebank Old Girls AssociationPO Box 349 Hurstville BC NSW 1481 oldgirls@live.com.au Danebank Old Girls 2014

Old Girls OnlineRunning Service Ventures

Creating & Selling Products

Rewarding trip to Cambodia

EventsReunions

News

1

Current students are quite

fascinated by the idea that one day they will become a Danebank Old Girl. It is clear that for students in our younger years, Old Girls are very old indeed. They are at least 20!

Every Year 12 group expresses amazement (and sometimes horror) that they will soon attract the label of ‘Old Girl’. Yet, when it is pointed out to them that being a Danebank Old Girl is a title of honour and they receive their italicised D badge, they do warm to the idea. In fact, more and more, our Year 12s look forward to Reunions to come, and they happily maintain their links with the school and each other via the school’s growing social media sites. Gradually they get used to the title ‘Old Girl’.

I must acknowledge the fact that many Old Girls contribute to the daily life of our school and they bring inspiration for current students. Whether they contribute as teachers or coaches or guest speakers or water polo players (in the annual friendly match) or recipients of awards, they willingly share their expertise and their commitment. In this way they are role models of service, Ut Prosim in action. I thank them all for it.

I am delighted that this edition of Directions celebrates the lives of our Old Girls and I thank all those who have contributed.

Maryanne Davis, Principal

In this edition

SERVICE TO OTHERS p. 3 A Beautiful Spirit Remembered p. 4Kate Fitzsimons (2009) Her Impact p. 6Bridgette Leech (2006)Laura Forsyth (1998)

A Rewarding Experience p. 9Kaitlin Foster (2011) COACHING p. 14Bree Calderwood (1997) p. 15Calli Tsipidis (2011) p. 17

OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION NEWS Petty Heather (Litsas 1993) p. 19

Old Girls Vs Current Students p. 21Water Polo Match 2013

Reunion Time! Annual August Fest p. 23 Class of 1994, 2004 & 2009 p. 23

CREATING & SELLING PRODUCTSJayne Baratta (1995) p. 25Nadia Ahmad (2001) p. 27Leonie Psillis (Kafataris 2001) p. 29Sylvia & Evelyn Chronis (2011 & 2009) p. 31

Know your Personal Brand p. 33Danii Ashton (Anderson 2000)

Danebank Online Report p. 35

HIGHLIGHTS p. 37At Danebank 2013

MEMORIES OF DANEBANK p. 40Mrs Dian Rickards

DOWN MEMORY LANE p. 43Some memories across the years

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all Old Girls who have been so generous in helping us with this edition. We have had great fun putting it together. It is always a privilege to share in the lives of our Old Girls and to highlight their activities.

Production Team: Jane Rees Dian Rickards Kirsty Kortum (Foster, 2001) Danielle Clegg (Bridge, 1994) COVER IMAGES:The front and back covers of this issue show two award-winning creations by Ivana Kuzmanovska (2005) and her colleague Rachel Couper. The front cover shows a speculative theatre design called the Spritz and the back cover shows an installation of a spritz called Mirador which was constructed for Sculpture by the Sea and photographed by Collective Studio. Ivana and Rachel won the Australian Institute of Architects Digital Innovation in Architecture Award for Spritz in 2012 and four awards for Mirador at the 2012 Bondi Sculpture by the Sea, including the Director’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Runner Up. Full explanation on our Facebook page.

Produced in conjunction with Danebank Old Girls Association, by Danebank Anglican School for Girls80-98 Park Road, Hurstville NSW 2220Tel: 02 9580 1415www.danebank.nsw.edu.au

As President of the OGA, I have the privilege of representing the Association at a number

of school occasions. One of these is the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner where I present a gift to each Year 12er who has made it all the way from Prep to Year 12. That’s 13 years of schooling at Danebank and well worth a celebratory gift.

The event always reminds me of my own school days. Every year I remember the excitement I felt about finishing school and my expectations of what life after school could be. I am reminded of the feelings of dread that the HSC exams brought and I sympathise with the girls who clearly regret that they will not be spending each day in the future with their precious friends.

This Directions Magazine is, in many ways, about our friends, what they have achieved, what they celebrate in their lives and what advice they may have to offer us. I am stunned by the achievements of our Old Girls and I applaud those who are featured on these pages. If you know anyone featured in this issue, don’t forget to

contact them and give them your praise.After all “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate” (Linda Grayson). But more importantly, “The only way to have a friend is to be one” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Petty Heather,OGA President

Service to Others

Kate Fitzsimons NICOLE FITZSIMONS

FOUNDATION

Bridgette Leech & Laura ForsythHER IMPACT

Kaitlin FosterA REWARDING

EXPERIENCE

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“In 2012, the Fitzsimons family experienced a devastating blow. Nicole, daughter to Vincent and Julie and sister of Kate, was killed in a motor bike accident while on holidays in Thailand. Nicole was 24 years old and her death was a tragedy…

A Beautiful Spirit Remebered

Mrs Davis continued “From the midst of despair and grief, Kate, who I am proud to say is a Danebank Old Girl, decided to honour her sister by setting up the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation. Through this Foundation, Kate maintains loving memory of her sister Nicole so that the family’s tragedy could have some positive outcomes by helping others. Kate describes her sister Nicole as a woman with energy and

passion and so the Foundation emphasises the importance of safety and the importance of living every day to the fullest.Kate gives presentations on the dangers of riding motorcycles in countries with few regulations, and the importance of travel insurance. In doing this, she has visited more than 30 schools in the past year.Kate also helps talented artists and sports stars to achieve their goals through a range

This year’s recipient of the Valerie Crakanthorp Award for Philanthropy was Kate Fitzsimons (2009). Old Girls will be aware that Kate, together with her family,

set up the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation after the tragic death of her sister Nicole. Mrs Davis announced the Award at Founders Day with the following words:

© T

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Coo

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Phot

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of programs, raising funds to do all this.Kate has been acknowledged for this work. She was named Rockdale Council’s Young Citizen of the Year and she has received an Extraordinary Women Award because of her skills as a great motivator. Yet, Kate does all this in the name of her sister, Nicole, who, she says, is her greatest motivation. Kate, I am especially pleased that your parents are here today to see you accept this award. I suspect your sister, Nicole, would also be very proud of you. Please accept the Valerie Crakanthorp Award for Philanthropy in acknowledgement of your fine citizenship and your philanthropic endeavours. Please also accept a cheque for $500 from the school to go to the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation in support of all it stands for. Congratulations, Kate.”

If you visit the website at nicolefitzsimons.com you will find a very active Foundation with a number of projects ongoing that raise funds and awareness. There is a moving tribute to Nicole in an original song titled “I’ll Go wherever you will Go” and also a tribute to Nicole from the Channel 9 Footy Show. Nicole is described as vibrant and active with a beautiful warm spirit and her death has profoundly affected many people. Kate’s leadership and work with the Foundation will ensure that Nicole will be remembered. We salute Kate’s work and wish the family well for the future.

InLovingMemoryOfNicoleFitzsimons

Kate receiving the Valerie Crakanthorp Award

Kate presenting at Warwick High

Nicole... a beautiful spirit remembered

If you go online to the Her Impact website you will find an original

community service idea put into practice. It is run by Laura Forsyth (1998) and Bridgette Leech (2006), two Danebank friends who met at church and who launched Her Impact about 18 months ago. Their aim is to connect like-minded professional women with local community grass roots projects thereby empowering volunteers and assisting organisations that need help. Laura and Bridgette describe themselves as “young urban professionals with a great passion for people and community.” Laura is a Solicitor and Bridgette an Accountant. They dedicate time each week to furthering the aims of Her Impact and have received positive responses so far. The approach has three segments...equip connect engage

We want to make a mark on our community and this earth; to know that our little contribution may help someone else.

equip connect engage

“”

Laura Forsyth & Bridgette Leech

herimpact.com.au

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EquipIt was clear to Laura and Bridgette that, while people were happy to be helpful to others, some doubted their own abilities so the team has structured an approach that equips volunteers “with the tools necessary to dig a little deeper into what makes you ‘you’; to identify and develop your own strengths and then recognise the value of those strengths in your work, home and community life. Each and every one of us has the ability to learn, develop and grow, but without the right guidance we cannot achieve our full potential.”Bridgette and Laura hope that in the future, volunteers who become members of Her Impact will be able to attend training workshops which identify and develop each person’s unique strengths. Thus, apart from the rewarding sense of helping others, members experience personal benefits by developing their skills and there are networking benefits too as they meet and mix with other members.

ConnectThe pair have considered the dilemma of modern women, the busy-ness of people’s lives. They say that “with so many social media outlets, it is easy to ‘connect’, but it is difficult to find outlets that foster deep and sustained connections.” They acknowledge that their members don’t want to waste time. Rather, they say “we know that people want to invest their time wisely, in worthwhile and sustainable relationships. Our aim is to facilitate connections for real people in various industries, who are like-minded and who are working to support the local community.”As expressed on their website, they say “We will take away the time you would otherwise have to spend researching, calling and considering what community projects or networking events are relevant to you. We will provide you with one contact person who can provide continual and personalised updates of where your resources are being used and how effective you really are.”

Thus, part of what the pair work towards is finding meaningful and long-term connections with organisations for their members.

EngageThey are confident that everyone has skills to offer. “Whether it’s your time, ability to teach, compassion, physical resources or your organisational skills, someone else can benefit from what you love, what comes naturally to you.”The team actively pursues projects for their members, doing the leg work to match members’ resources with the projects. The team also liaises directly with projects to identify and match the projects’ needs with the resources of

HerImpact

DANEBANK Memories1 Laura’s stand-out memories are about friends and the Year 9 camp.

2 Bridgette enjoyed sports and values the long lasting connections with both friends and teachers she made while at Danebank.

They both said that, without their realising it, Ut Prosim has carried on into their lives.

people within the Her Impact network. One organisation they help is Jacaranda Cottage which is a refuge for young women aged 16-20 who are homeless or at risk. These young women come from backgrounds of family breakdown, poverty, domestic violence, abuse or neglect. Jacaranda Cottage aims to provide a safe and supportive place for young women to deal with their issues and move forward into independent living.Her Impact has been able to connect their members with Jacaranda Cottage in various ways such as organising a team of volunteers and participants for Jacaranda Cottage’s annual Run to Restore Fun, providing tutoring and even organising a much-needed outdoor table setting. “There are so many ways to become involved.”The Her Impact approach to community service is original and thoughtful and clearly aims to maximise the input that volunteers give at the same time as maximising their effectiveness for their communities.

Her Impact members at a networking dinner

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On November 25th 2013, Kaitlin Foster (2011) and five of her fellow Wesley College (U.Syd)

peers left the comforts of home and university life and flew to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for a two month Overseas Study Experience. “The Cambodia Overseas Study Experience (OSE) is the primary way that Wesley College gives back to the community,” said Kaitlin. Six students are chosen for the philanthropic trip, as early as May, and are then tasked with raising money to directly donate to the charities the college supports in Cambodia. Kaitlin and her travel partners raised $13,000 “which is the largest amount in Wesley College’s 21 years of running the OSE,” said Kaitlin. The College offers scholarships

A Rewarding Experience

to the selected students in order to pay for their flights and vaccinations. The students have to pay for their own food and accommodation during the two month overseas experience, meaning all the donations received go directly into the hands of those in need.Fund raising events for the trip are varied, from ‘recovery’ events after the college formal and auctions during Parents Weekend, to Dessert Sacrificing by which the college kitchen puts aside money they would have used to make desserts for all the students and donates it to the OSE Cambodia charity fund. Kaitlin said “fund raising is purely the students’ responsibility and we have to use our own initiative to decide how we will raise the money. It becomes a leadership role for us within the college for that year.”After months of fund raising, vaccinations and preparation, Kaitlin and her college peers (three boys and three girls) finally arrived in Cambodia and were given just three days to acclimatise to life in a foreign country before spending time with the Street Children Assistance and Development Program (SCADP). The mission of SCADP is to remove Cambodian children from life on the streets, and also to protect child victims from violence or family breakdown. It was during the group’s involvement with SCADP that Kaitlin says she had her most “unusual experience” while overseas. They travelled to a rural village in Phnom Penh and were offered

housing in the village mayor’s property for the evening. “It wasn’t what you would expect,” said Kaitlin, “bamboo mats for beds and no running water.” This tiny town had two schools, one primary and one secondary, attended by just 30 students each. During the day the OSE group taught at the primary school, playing games with the students and teaching English. Kaitlin said this mostly consisted of engaging the children in conversations. This simple yet effective technique helped the children pick up every day English phrases. That evening the village put on what Kaitlin could only describe as a “big dance party”. Approximately 300 villagers gathered in the mayor’s front yard and, surrounded by the largest

School in rural Phnom Penh village where the OSE group

spent 2 days teaching English to students

Kaitlin (right) at school

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sound speakers the group had ever seen, they danced the night away to popular hits like ‘Gangnam Style’ in 35 degree, dusty heat. Kaitlin said “it was just amazing! The little kids were dancing with us and everyone had a great time. We even received very unexpected marriage proposals!”After sleeping the night on bamboo mats, the group were woken up at sunrise to the sound of a wedding taking place down the road. Weddings in Cambodia take place over three days and three nights and consist of multiple ceremonies and songs. “They were playing Jennifer Lopez at five o’clock in the morning! It was surreal!” said Kaitlin. The group spent time teaching English in the secondary school before handing out individual ‘care packs’ to all the

students during a special presentation ceremony. Using the money they had raised back home, the group had put together packs consisting of items of clothing, toys, notepads, and pens. They also donated rice and other supplies to the entire village. Kaitlin said “it was so good to see firsthand exactly where the money we raised was going”.The OSE group also spent time in Vietnam, travelling to Hanoi, Sa Pa, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang and Hoi An. It was in Hoi An that they worked with Project Indo-China (PIC), an organisation that provides education, housing, clean water, sanitation, health care and income generation opportunities to poor and disadvantaged children, their families and communities in Vietnam and Cambodia. Project Indo-China took Kaitlin and

her peers to a Vietnamese hospital, the biggest infra-structure project the organisation had helped provide for the community. Kaitlin said “it was quite confronting to see the condition of the patients and the operating rooms where major surgeries are performed.”On Christmas Day the group travelled to a school for children affected by ‘Agent Orange’, a powerful mixture of chemical defoliants used by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War. It was later discovered that it caused shocking health issues from tumours, birth defects, muscular dysfunction and psychological symptoms to spina bifida and even various cancers. Kaitlin said “we are generations on from the war and children are still being born with devastating illnesses and physical disabilities. Some of these children can’t move, or even talk and are often shunned by their communities. It was upsetting for us to see but also nice because we were there on Christmas Day to give these children, who were just three and four years old, presents. Hopefully we provided them with a little bit of happiness. What was really surprising to see was just how cheerful these young children were! They love lollies so we made them little presents with lots of boiled lollies and they absolutely loved it!”During January the group went their separate ways and each attached themselves to an organisation or charity in Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos, the one they felt they could help the most.

Kaitlin re-joined SCADP in Cambodia and, as well as teaching the students, helped to create a teaching manual for future volunteers. Because she is studying for a Bachelor of Education (Primary) Kaitlin was able to use her lesson planning and teaching knowledge to put together the manual, which will allow future volunteers to jump right in and start teaching the children. Kaitlin said “it was so rewarding working with SCADP and being able to meet children who were once living on the streets but now, because of the program, were able to sit for exams and gain entry into university.” One member of the

School visited with Project Indo-China in the rural outskirts of Hoi An, Vietnam

Kaitlin at SCADP school in Sen Sok

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CoachingYou may be surprised to learn that there are

almost 40 Old Girls who work as coaches for

the school, supporting sports and debating

teams. Many of them are studying and coach for

Danebank in their spare time. All coaches have

distinguished themselves while at school in their

coaching specialities and have been invited to

coach by the teaching staff who run the various

activities.

OSE group, Luke Flanagan, even had the exciting opportunity to speak to a young man who was currently enrolled in the same university course as himself, and who had been educated by SCADP. Kaitlin said the OSE has given her the confidence to do more charity work at home in Australia, and also in other

countries around the world. “I know now how important and rewarding it is to help these charities first hand, by actually being with them on the ground, not just donating money from a distance. I would definitely like to do more of that kind of hands-on work in the future.”

DANEBANK Memories1 Kaitlin enjoyed Drama with Miss Nandi most. Her class was very small and this meant they had a lot of autonomy managing their group work classes and performances, which Kaitlin says was “a unique experience for school, providing a break from the usual classroom format.”

2 Favourite memories from school revolve around playing water polo for Danebank. House Festival water polo competitions were always a highlight, as well as the opportunity to play the same sport over two consecutive terms in the year.

Bree Calderwood on the Pro-Circuit

The Wesley College OSE Cambodia Group

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Bree’s coaching career seemed an obvious step when she left school. At the same time as touring, she completed a fitness instruction course and after she returned to Australia, coaching presented itself at a number of private schools across Sydney. She went on to accept a Tennis scholarship coach position at Tennis NSW and continued her coach education completing her club professional Tennis Australia Coaching Course whilst receiving a Women in Sport Leadership award through NSW Sport and Recreation. She also completed a Masters of Education (Coaching) at Sydney University and has coached the Western Sydney Academy of Sport tennis squad as well as the Sydney Women’s College tennis team. As a coach, Bree worked at the NSW Institute of Sport, other schools (Ascham and Kincoppal) and managed and toured with under 12 and 14 national and state teams touring New Zealand, Fiji and Noumea, before

returning to take over Danebank’s Tennis Programs. She works at Danebank 3-4 mornings each week and also currently works for Womensport and Recreation NSW, increasing participation in sport for women and girls through increased access and equity programs. Bree has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Sports Administration at the Australian College of Physical Education where she received a Women in Business Scholarship in 2013.It is her aim to develop Tennis at Danebank and she is encouraged with the progress so far. “We run Tennis Camps in most holidays,” she said, “and we have had up to 23 girls attend.” She is also pleased with the take up of Tennis as an extra curricular activity, in the Junior school particularly.When asked about other Danebank memories, Bree says, unsurprisingly, “I was always into sports. House sports days were always fun.” And her Tildesley win? “amazing, surreal!”

Bree at school with her “Support Crew” of Danebank Sports Staff, Miss H Mall, Miss K Ball and Mrs C Parkes

Bree Calderwood (1997) is currently Danebank’s Professional Tennis Coach. As a student, she achieved the distinction of being Danebank’s only winner of the prestigious Tildesley Shield Tennis Singles Tournament which she won in 1996 when she was in Year 11. “I was the underdog in that final,” she said. “I played a Year 12 girl who had been in three consecutive finals and had yet to win it. My PDHPE class were great. They came to watch the match with banners and cheered for me in the stands. As it happened, I was far more nervous in the semi than the final and I was able to get into that mental zone where I could block out any distractions. In the end, I won 8 – 0.”Bree was one of the top three players in the state at school and she went on to compete on the international professional circuit after school. She named Steffi Graf as her inspiration back then, “the quiet achiever” and she

said she admires Roger Federer today. “He completely changed from being a bit temperamental when he was young to being in control of himself and his game today.”Bree competed on the professional circuit full-time for five years. She said “I learnt a lot about places and people and became more aware of the world.” She achieved a career high doubles ranking of 420 and played in two pro-circuit doubles finals, as well as going on to play in two Australian Opens and three Sydney International Events, partnering alongside Jelena Dokic.When asked what the downside of touring was, she said “being away from family and friends and often sitting around for long periods of time at tournaments due to the weather, schedules and things that were out of my control.” But she said she “learnt many useful skills that are associated with sports people such as time management, discipline and fitness”.

Bree today

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Calli Tsipidis (2011) is the only person who coaches both debating and sporting teams this year. This is not surprising because, as a school student, she was a keen participant in many activities and she was Debating Captain as well. Currently, she is studying a combined Law/Commerce Degree at Macquarie University, and she says she is “half way” through that. When she comes to Danebank to coach, she says “it’s good to come to a familiar place that was always so supportive of me. Uni is nothing like that. It’s nice to stay in touch with my school and I like having a continuing connection with the girls.”This year, Calli will coach Soccer, Touch Football (a new sport this year) and Netball. She says that one of the best things about coaching her sporting teams is that this is the third year she has coached the same core Netball team. She feels that she knows the girls in the team and she was Peer

Calli loved the Duke of Edinburgh activities at school. This photo was taken in Year 12 with her Duke of

Edinburgh group and Mrs Alison Underwood. Calli is last right in the front row, seated.Support Leader for some of them when they were in Year 7 as well. She says she’s pleased with the way they have developed their skills over the years. In fact, she says their “teamwork and communication are much improved.” Calli made some interesting observations regarding the differences between coaching sports and coaching debating. The hardest thing about the Archdale Debating competition for the students is that the topic for debate can come as a complete surprise to the girls.

The teams do prepare a topic area but, despite this, she feels the topics can be extremely challenging at times. Also, the adjudicators have different priorities each week so the guidelines are not as definite as they are in sports where the rules are clear and consistent. She also pointed out that the debating teams have less training time “just four weeks before the debates begin. We do have time before each debate but that might be while we are on the bus going to another school for the debate.”Calli is coaching the Year 9 Debating team this year. She said “the girls have done really well so far. They have grown in confidence and have definitely come a long way.” There are four girls in the team and they rotate the order that they speak so that they all have a range of debating experiences. “It is full on concentration for them when

the debate is on,” she said, “and the debates are of a very high standard. I am sometimes amazed by the standard of logic and language of the debaters.”Both sports and debating can be highly competitive and very tough, physically tough for sports and mentally tough for debaters. Yet it is also true that the girls involved enjoy both activities. The photo we took of Calli with her Year 9 debating team (above left) shows them preparing for a Debate about “Law and Justice” competing against MLC. The topic was “That celebrities who commit crimes should receive harsher sentences because of their public influence”. The girls argued the affirmative case. They did not win but “It was a tough debate and very difficult to argue from a justice perspective, however the girls did a great job,” said Calli.

Calli today

Old Girls Association News

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2014 Committee Members

President ............................ Petty HeatherAssistant President ......... Lyndall ButlerSecretary ........................... Maxine FrenchAssistant Secretary ........ Noelene Weatherby-FellTreasurer ............................ Christine LaneMembership Officer ...... Lynel Bailey-Gray

Social Committee: Justine Sealey Cathy Stokes Fiona Vaux Sally Mizoshiri Lauren Culbert Julia de Bono Melisa Phelps Noelene Weatherby-Fell

Another Busy YearWe are pleased to report that we continue to be kept busy with the running of the Old Girls Association and we continue to focus on the growth of our membership base. 2013 was a special year for us because of the anniversary celebrations and 2014 also started off fabulously.

Highlights wI was privileged to present the Old Girls Association Citizenship Award at the school’s Founders Day in March. This year it went to Stella Ladikos in Year 11 whose mother is Dimitra (Jordan 1985). We also proudly contributed to the commissioning of the beautiful portraits

challenge of coming up with an awesome cake – it was a pity to eat it! We had a wonderful afternoon of friendship, good food and memories.wIn late August, in what was a very close match, the Old Girls Water Polo team was beaten by the current students’ team. It was a very fun/funny match to watch and oh so very close! wIn September 2013, the 20 year Reunion for the class of 1993 was held at Café Neptune. Given I was lucky enough to organise it I can say that a great time was had by the 50 girls and teachers who came together to reminisce about our time at Danebank.wWe had a good turnout at the 2014 AGM where we discussed a range of changes and reflected on the past year.

Reunion GuideIn striving to continually help our members, we are currently working on a guide to help any Association members who are looking to organise a milestone reunion for their year. If you are interested in a copy of this guide, please email us at

oldgirls@live.com.au and we will provide a copy when this has been finalised.

LinkedInWe have also recently launched our LinkedIn page at Danebank Old Girls Association – with the “Golden D” logo and look forward to growing the network of ex-Danebankians in the broader community. Please feel free to send us a request to connect, or have a look at the members of our page and you might be able to connect with someone you know!Remembering we always welcome feedback from members and friends of the Association and as such if you have any ideas or comments, please feel free to contact us at oldgirls@live.com.au or Danebank Old Girls Association, PO Box 349 Hurstville BC 1481. Alternatively, like our Facebook page, or connect with us on our LinkedIn page and we hope to hear from you soon. Stay safe and well, and the Association looks forward to another great year ahead.

of Danebank’s Principals which are now displayed in the foyer of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) for all to see. The likeness of the actual pictures to their owners is just amazing!wIn May this year, we participated in the Autumn Fair/Open Day and we had a good number of Old Girls visit our stand. There was a real buzz on the day and it was clear that Life Membership has increased the interest of former students wanting to join the Association, which is great.wIn conjunction with the school, we hosted the August Fest Reunion to celebrate the 80 year history of Danebank and the 40 year history of the Association. It was wonderful to have representatives from every decade present. Katrina Murray (1978), the current Mayor of Moree, made us laugh with her tales of Boarding. The quartet that performed “School Days” - Julie Morris (Falloon 1973), Kim Chapman (Byrnes 1973), Cathie Robilliard (Falloon 1976), Lee Windon (Byrnes 1977) - were highly entertaining. Nella Sanderson (1993) spoke about the 1980s and 1990s, and Alex Lee (2004) entertained us by speaking about the 1990s/2000s.Natalie Sekulovska (2012) sang the beautiful song “How High the Moon”. Jayne Baratta rose to the DanebankOGA

danebank-old-girls- association

‘Danebank Hat’ Anniversary Cake by Jayne Baratta

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As the girls dived into the pool the air was filled with jovial competitiveness from spectators and swimmers alike. On the buzzer, current students and Old Girls swam head to head, beginning a nail-biting match that would see the scoreboard teetering on 4-4 by the end of the third quarter.

The last quarter saw current students take the lead with some well played goals despite a valiant defensive effort from the Old Girls. Both teams

were cheered on enthusiastically by supporters in the stands. On the final buzzer, the score sat at 7-6 with current students victorious for the second year running. There were calls from the stands for play to continue but, given the option, girls on both teams were tired after their exhausting efforts in the pool.Congratulations to the Current Students team, and a big thank you to all who attended the match to swim and support!

The Old Girls versus Current Students Water Polo Match took place in August at the Danebank Aquatic Centre. A great cross-section of Old Girls

participated in the event, some coming from as far away as Port Macquarie to join the Old Girls’ team!

A nail-biting match in the Pool!

2014 MatchFriday 29th August, 5pm

Danebank Aquatic Centre

Old Girls vs Current Students Water Polo Match 2013

2323

A number of our Old Girls have launched businesses for which they have tapped into their creativity and designed and made

their own line of products. All are enthusiastic about their products and they shared the process with us. A number gave advice to anyone thinking of launching their own creative ideas in this way.

Creating and selling your own products

They said: 1 Go for it. Follow your passions. Don’t be afraid to fail because failure is the key to success. No experience is ever wasted if you learn something from it.

2 Pursue something you are passionate about – being passionate and enjoying what you do are the two essentials to anything you pursue!

3 If you’re developing a product, do your research. Look at your competition and try to differentiate yourself from everyone else if there’s an existing market, and if there is, make your product better. Look into crowd-funding sites like Kickstarter to develop it.

4 Put in the time. It’s hard, it will get better. Draw on your circles of friends and family for support and guidance, and don’t shy away from any opportunity to get your product in the hands of as many people as possible.

The following pages give snapshots of each business. The full Q&A for each business will be published on our Facebook page.

DanebankSchool

Reunion Time!

5 Year ReunionWhen Saturday 18th October 2014, 3.00pm

Where Performing Arts Centre at DanebankContact Kirsty Kortum

kirsty.kortum@danebank.nsw.edu.au

20 Year ReunionWhen Saturday 13th September 2014, 6.30pmWhere The Bank Hotel, 324 King St, NewtownContact Nicole Short nkshort@gmail.com

10 Year ReunionWhen November 2014, date TBA

Contact Lucy Jacksonlucyannejackson@outlook.com

Venue High Tea at The Loft 3 Lime Street, SydneyWhen Saturday 16th August 2014Time 12.30pm - 5.30pmCost $30 pp (subsidised by OGA)Contact oldgirls@live.com.au

Annual August Fest

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Jayne Baratta (Hutchins 1995)

“Yummies designs and produces custom cakes for special celebrations. We specialise in Wedding Cakes and cakes for life’s special moments, including milestone Birthdays, Christenings and other special events. We also produce cupcakes and cookies for special events and corporate events. Due to frequent enquires we are also looking at starting cake decorating classes in the near future. We are passionate about producing the highest standard of work in our products from the start of the baking process till the completed cake is set up at the event. It is generally a very lengthy process with even a relatively simple cake taking up to 8 hours to decorate and this doesn’t include the process of preparing and baking the cakes before you can even begin. Items like sugar flowers, custom toppers and figures are extremely intricate. Cake artists spend days making these items.”

“I never really planned to start a business. It just really grew from the demand for the party catering to begin with and then with people’s fascination and desire for me to make them a

unique custom cake. In 2009 I registered Yummies and my business officially began. I chose the name because people would always say ‘here is Jayne with the yummies’!”

“Word of mouth has been my best form of advertising. When people see and taste my work, it generally leads to more work. I’m also part of business networking groups that have been good for business and Facebook has also been a great tool for people to find me. The type of product I make is very visual and I find people enjoy looking at photos of my work.”

yummies.com.au

DANEBANK Memories1 Textiles and Design as a subject. It was always a small class with a lovely group of girls. It always felt more like a little family than a class, with Mrs Gurney more like a Mum.

2 The China trip in Year 10 is one of my standout memories. It was so amazing to travel overseas without my family and experience a culture very different to my own. Year 9 survival camp is also a memory that I have. We experienced things I had never done before coming from a non-camping family. Whenever I get together with school friends we always have a good laugh.

YES! They are all cakes.

Jayne (far right) with friends

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Nadia Ahmad (2001)

Handvas is an innovative way to display prints and posters. It is both engaging and modern and was inspired to reflect the way designers showcase their work, by holding it up in front of them. Nadia makes Handvas using 3D printing technology to create strong plastic pieces that are light and durable and each order is individually processed. She said “3D-printing is a fascinating process that consists of ultra thin layers being printed on top of each other to create an object. I actually knew nothing about 3D-printing until the company I teamed up with to create Handvas told me about it while we were discussing how best to bring the idea to life.”

Why do it?“The reasons why I wanted to pursue this idea were to take on the challenge of doing something totally unknown to me and to actually create my own product. It was also because of my frustration working as a creative in the advertising industry where 90% of ideas die or are butchered by clients. This fed my hunger to pursue something on my

own that I could control. Also, I would want the product for myself.”

Nadia’s Handvas has already been featured on some famous design websites, an international airways inflight magazine as well as an interior design magazine. Buyers say the product gives flexibility to art lovers.

DANEBANK Memories1 The laughs we had and things we got up to at school - overall I had a blast with all the diverse people in our year, some of whom I’m still friends with today.

2 My favourite subject was Design & Technology. It essentially ignited my creativity.

www.handvas.com hello@handvas.com

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Leonie Psillis (Kafataris 2001)

“In a nutshell, I transfer images onto beautiful stone tiles to sell as coasters or wall art. Everything is handcrafted from natural marble and artfully distressed to create a rustic appearance. They are currently sold as singles but I’m working on some larger artworks that will consist of hundreds of tiles and have the ultimate ‘wow factor’. My product is entirely handmade in my home using natural marble and eco-friendly products. Stone Inspired was officially launched in November 2012. I started because I had decided to be at home full-time during the first few years of my childrens’ lives but I still wanted to contribute to our household and have an outlet for my creativity. I have children and pets in my home so I needed to make sure everything I use is non-toxic. My materials are relatively easy to obtain with the majority Australian owned, except the stone which is imported from Italy or the Middle East. I have been overwhelmed by the amazing response I’ve received not only from friends and family but retailers,

critics and the general public. I am truly so grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received to keep going and take Stone Inspired to the next level. My long term goal is to move away from small tiles and focus on massive wall murals and hopefully one day have my own exhibition - what a dream that would be! Most of my sales come from social media. I am quite active on my Facebook and Instagram accounts and am lucky to have a lovely community of followers supporting my business.” Social media is truly the reason Stone Inspired has taken off and I have invested a lot of time into maintaining my engagement with people on these platforms.

STOP PRESS!Leonie has been nominated for the

2014 AusMumpreneur Awards. The Awards recognize Mums in business and achieving outstanding success in areas such as business, product

development, services and innovation in businesses from Australia and New Zealand.

DANEBANK Memories1 Some of my favourite times were on House Festival Days. It’s been 13 years since I graduated but I still remember being so excited about them!

2 Mr Rabbit was a standout teacher for me.

StoneInspired @stone_inspired

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Sylvia and Evelyn Chronis (2011 & 2009)

Luminari Candles was founded on the simple philosophy of creating candles inspired by all things fresh, white and elegant. Sylvia and Evelyn wanted to design “products that truly stand out through their sheer elegance and simplicity! Each of our candles is carefully hand-poured using the highest-grade pure soy wax, which is sourced from the natural and renewable soy bean. This means our candles are produced sustainably and are friendly for the environment.“We are both creatively driven and always keen to try new things, and so when Sylvia came home with the business idea of ‘Luminari Candles’ one day, we both couldn’t resist!… Business planning began in mid-2013, and we were on our feet by the end of that year. So far our candles have been met with much enthusiasm our social media platforms have helped spread the word, as well as our regular market stalls. The

DANEBANK Memories

Sylvia My Duke of Edinburgh experience from Year 9 – 12 was a stand-out memory for my years at Danebank; I learnt new skills and formed new bonds with students and also teachers. Travelling with the girls to Central Australia for my Gold Award was definitely the highlight and an experience I’ll never forget!

Evelyn I’d have to say the sports carnivals and House Festival days, where the whole school came together, are stand out memories. It was always such a buzz competing against the other Houses (and your friends!) and feeling part of a big school family for the day.

www.luminaricandles.com.au

luminarisoywaxcandles

instant response of customers at market stalls is usually somewhere between ‘delicious!’ and ‘yum!’

We are currently stocked at ‘My Posh Box’- a beautifully luxury home wares store in Sans Souci, and will be in more of the retail scene soon, so like us on our social media sites to stay tuned!

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Know your Personal Brand

This advice comes from Danii Ashton (Anderson 2000) to old girls who may be seeking a career

in marketing. Danii has had a number of jobs in marketing and she currently works as Senior Marketing Manager for Westfield at Parramatta, one of the busiest retail complexes in Australia. The centre has around 28 million customer visits annually.As a member of the senior operations team at Westfield, Danii is responsible for daily marketing operations at the Centre. Her team handles advertising, publications, events and online promotions through Facebook and Instagram, for example. Events are ongoing and attract large crowds. Sometimes events are fashion-related. Other times they promote visiting artists, such as Ricky Martin. A recent visit from the cast of ‘Home and Away’ attracted a large crowd of 3,000 fans.

Danii says her greatest pleasure comes from helping people. She enjoys “managing the team, supporting growth and people management”. She also consults with and supports retailers in the centre.Danii says she has “a great team” and she loves her job, despite the long hours and busy-ness in her day. Occasionally, an emergency situation arises in the Centre, such as robberies or fire, and she can be called in to work at any time to help deal with these situations. The company, she says, “takes duty of care of customers very seriously”.Danii says that she knew she wanted to work in marketing “from about Year 7” which made her restless to finish school at times. Her father was a partner at an advertising agency that she loved to

visit. That business sparked her interest in consumer behaviour and economics, and her desire for a career in Marketing. When she left university, Danii worked in financial services but she was head-hunted to work at Westfield, starting at Hurstville and now, at Westfield Parramatta.

1 Maintain the originality and point of difference of your idea. Know your unique selling point. Don’t allow others to sway you from your original idea.

2 Know your customers and what they want.

3 The most successful newcomers are brave. Their ideas are left of centre.

ADVICE TO PEOPLE creating their own products

1 Try for experience in a corporate environment while at university, through Internships or simply by volunteering. Corporate experience is an invaluable advantage when you are seeking work.

2 Make sure you are clear about your “personal brand”. Be ready to explain who you are and why a marketing career is your passion.

ADVICE TO PEOPLE

considering a career in marketing

Danii in Year 12

Danii today

calendar, an easy way to reconnect with your class mates, and a great opportunity to advertise your business and even provide special offers or discounts to Old Girls.Danebank wants to help and support all Old Girls and their endeavours, which is why you will notice in this year’s Directions we have introduced you to several ex-students who are making waves in the small business world with their own unique products. We would love to follow your careers and aspirations so that we can show support where we can, so please send an email to kirsty.kortum@danebank.nsw.edu .au and let us know what you’re up to!

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Danebank ONLINE Report

It’s been a big year ONLINE for Danebank! With the help of the Danebank Old Girls Online Directory we invited you to start

following Danebank on social media. The school has profiles with Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and our online following has soared in the last 12 months and is continuing to grow every day! Many of you have joined our Danebank Facebook page, but did you know there is also a dedicated Danebank Old Girls Association page? There you will find information on reunions and events, as well as updates and news specifically for Old Girls. Many Old Girls are already using the page to reach out to class mates, share photos and stories, and request information. It’s a great way to keep in touch so head online and Like the page to stay connected.

even if it was not at Danebank). Then simply follow the prompts to set up your Directory profile, making sure to provide your email address. If you have registered but have not provided an email address, please log in and update your details so that you may receive notifications about events and news specific to you and your peer year. As a registered member of the Danebank Old Girls Directory you will receive information on current employment opportunities at the school, invitations to Autumn Fair, class reunions and Old Girl events, and important news from the school relevant to you. Being a member also provides you with access to the school

www.danebankoldgirls.com

The Danebank Old Girls Online Directory has been revamped and has some great new features: wA new, easy-to-remember web address (danebankoldgirls.com) wLinks to Danebank on social media wCurrent school news and Old Girl achievements wOnline editions of Directions magazine (for our Old Girls overseas), the bi-annual Danebank Today and the fortnightly Danebank Newsletter

The online publications are a great way to follow the everyday hustle and bustle of the school, and often provide opportunities that Old Girls may not have previously been aware of such as fundraising, special events and anniversaries. If you haven’t yet registered on the Danebank Old Girls Directory, it’s very easy to do. Simply go to danebankoldgirls.com, click Register, enter your first name, surname (please ensure this is your maiden name), date of birth and your peer year (the year you graduated,

DanebankSchool

DanebankOGA

@Danebankdanebank-anglican-school-for-girls

danebank-old-girls- association

100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Online Directory

LinkedIn

Twitter

Danebank Facebook

Old Girls Facebook

Follower, Likes, Members

Kirsty Kortum

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We had a very busy and happy 2013 due to the 80th Anniversary.

Highlights were:

wOld Girls turned out in force to attend August Fest which featured the talents of Old Girls, a great afternoon tea, plus memories galore and the special Danebank atmosphere.wWe welcomed many past and current staff to a special Staff Reunion in July.

AcademicwThe 2013 HSC cohort performed well with 94% qualifying for Degree courses. Kate Perrior received accolades for her Design and Technology major work which was exhibited at the Powerhouse Museum and which also attracted a UNSW award for Design.wThe school clocked up more High Distinctions in national competitions than ever before, in a range of subjects. wJamie Parmaxidis, Year 12, was the recipient of the Waverley Youth Art Prize.wClaire Blayney, Year 9, came second in the Young Archibalds.

wFounders Day was notable for the launch of a new film about Danebank’s first Headmistress, Miss Edith Roseby Ball, called ‘Danebank Begins’. The new OGA Citizenship Award for the daughter of an Old Girl was also launched, and was presented to Year 11 student, Kristyn Brown. Special service awards were also presented to Dr Don Anderson (who retired as Chairman School Council at the end of the year), Mrs Cheryl Whyte and Mrs Christine Lane (Treasurer OGA).

Highlights atDanebank 2013

Danebank - Celebrating 80 Years - 2013

Community ServicewThe school raised many thousands of dollars for various charities and other worthwhile causes. Included $4,000 for the McGrath Foundation, $4,000+ for Relay for Life and $1700 for people affected by the Blue Mountains Bush Fires.

DramawThe school presented a modern version of ‘Twelfth Night’ to enthusiastic audiences (pictured top left).

Sports HighlightswThree current students and one ex-student represented Australia in Dragon Boating.wThe Junior Dragon Boating team were winners of the St George & Sutherland shire Leader annual team awards.

Below L-R: Old Girls performing at August Fest,

Claire Blayney with some of her artwork, Girls at Relay for Life.

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Visits of Old GirlswCarlie Holt (1994) was guest speaker at the High Achievers Assembly.wThe annual Ruby Payne Scott Science and Technology Lecture was delivered by Dr Gina Samaan (1996), world leader in the field of Epidemiology.

Old Girls on staff – new appointmentsMiss Ashleigh Hillis (2006) Junior School

Staff RetirementsMrs Laraine Lucas (Head of Junior School)

Mrs Jeanette Baker (Head of HSIE)

Mrs Christine Petersen (Head of TAS)

Mrs Jennie Carswell-Dawson (Junior School)

Mrs Marion Stalder (Christian Education)

Mrs Mary Nelson (Bus Driver)

Mr Greg Williams (Property & Facilities)

Mrs Linda Chiba (Deputy Principal Pastoral Care) moved to PLC Sydney to take the position of Assistant Principal.

We welcomed Mrs Melinda Buckley back to the Junior School as the new Head of Junior School.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Kate Foy who taught

Mathematics at Danebank between 1962 - 1983. Mrs Foy was a great

Danebank supporter and was always interested in news about her former pupils. She is survived by two sons.

Carlie Holt (1994) at High Achievers Assembly

Mrs Dian Rickards has been a favourite of girls and staff for many years. She began teaching at the school in 1977

and, at the time of her retirement from teaching in 2004, she had contributed twenty eight and a half years of dedication to the school. Mrs Rickards said: “When I first came to Danebank it was only just starting to grow and in many ways was poorly resourced, but what it lacked in physical resources was made up for by the camaraderie of the staff and the friendly relationship which existed between staff and students. I think of all that has been achieved at Danebank over the years and the wonderful progress which has been made in both facilities and academic standards, but for me the standout feature

Gracious & Caring

Girls remember that when Mrs Rickards said at Assembly

they became very particular about it.

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of the school remains that friendliness and family atmosphere which still exists today. Girls have always been ready to learn and to rise to challenges as they are given and for a teacher such a learning environment has been a delight to be a part of.”When asked for her best memories, Mrs Rickards said that new facilities were particularly welcome. The purchase of Lyndal Lodge (Heslop Hall) in 1981,“was a wonderful acquisition. The school had grown quickly and had been meeting in the quad for Chapel and Assemblies. Now all kinds of functions could be held and there was space for music, drama and dance lessons.”She also acknowledged the hard work of Miss Bird as the ‘Building Principal’. “During her time as Principal the school was transformed by its new and specialized buildings and at the same time there was a growing sense of pride in the school amongst the students.

They were beginning to realize they could be successful in all aspects of school life and, as a result, a new sense of optimism and confidence was developed.”Special events, like the Bicentennial Picnic at Carss Park and the first House Festival Day, were particularly memorable. “Such events only become successful because staff and students work hard to support them and they are great examples of team effort.” Also, new services such as the Healthy Canteen and the Uniform Shop, new subjects such as PDHPE, were all welcome additions to what the school was able to offer.For many years, Mrs Rickards was the sole Deputy Principal so it was a great day when Miss Bird decided to split the role and appoint Mr Warwick Fogden as Deputy Principal Administration and make Mrs Rickards Deputy Principal Pastoral Care. She was then able to look after the girls who were always her greatest commitment .

They talk about her concern for their wellbeing, her calm, caring manner of speaking and the fact that she gave her time willingly to girls who needed to be heard. She said “When I retired, I felt great satisfaction that Miss Roseby Ball’s wish for the future had been achieved. Danebank retains the strong Christian foundations Miss Ball established and with the hard work, faith and good will of successive Councils, principals, staff, students and parents, the school is truly recognized as that “fine Christian girls’ school” that she envisaged.”It is true that Mrs Rickards retired from teaching in 2004, but it is not true to say that she retired from Danebank. Far from it. She was appointed part-time School Archivist in 2005 and set about organizing and expanding the school’s archival records. As archivist, Mrs Rickards has provided information for articles for this ‘Directions’ Magazine and she has provided archival materials for the school’s communications department, notably for last year’s Anniversary film, ‘Danebank Begins’. She also narrated that film. As well, she co-authored (with Ms Jane Rees, Director Marketing & Communications),

‘Danebank Celebrates 75 Years’, a project that took almost two years to achieve.Mrs Rickards has always supported Danebank’s community organizations, particularly the work of the P&F and the Old Girls Association. She is currently Patron of the OGA and she is particularly interested in the activities of old girls near and far. She enjoys catching up with old girls at special Reunions. Despite her Danebank activities, Mrs Rickards said she enjoys her retirement too. “To be able to travel other than in school holidays is a pleasant experience. A constant challenge and pleasure is helping to organize a Playgroup at my local church. My garden keeps calling me and there is always the time for experimenting with recipes, catching up with friends and seeing family.”Mrs Rickards was acknowledged by Miss Bird in 2004. She praised Mrs Rickard’s“wonderful example of Christian service as a member of staff at Danebank. She is always gracious … and has set a tone throughout the school which reflects her care for each girl as an individual... Dian has been loved and respected by so many generations of Danebank girls... It is not possible to do justice to a lady who has given so much of herself selflessly to others.”

I want you to be very particular about that,“ ”

Back to Danebank Reunion 2006

Left: Dr & Mrs Crakanthorp

By 1934, places were quickly filling at the school and Miss

Roseby Ball knew that the back studio that was being used as a classroom would quickly become too small for her growing school. She started to look for new premises. She learned that a home at 86 Park Road would soon become available. A Miss Walker was living there alone in a big family home and she wanted to move out, so Miss Ball offered to buy her home for the school. Dr Crakanthorp negotiated the sale and Mrs Crakanthorp provided financial assistance.

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Down Memory Lane

1934

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5434

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1964

The year before war ended, commodities were in short

supply and rationing was in full swing. Miss Ball struggled to feed her band of about 10 boarders. Numbers had continued to increase at the school and most of her boarders were children of men at war. By this time, she had employed an assistant teacher and a number of specialist part-time teachers as well. She also enrolled students with disabilities who were not accepted in other schools at the time.

This was Mrs Cowell’s first year as Headmistress. Staff consisted of six full time

teachers and part time mistresses for special subjects. Mr Norman J Heslop joined the school’s Parents and Friends Association, beginning a 30 year relationship with Danebank that led to many developments over time. Mrs Cowell and the board had great plans for the school, which was now part of the Church of England schools. She said: “The school did not look like a school. The once attractive old home of 100 years ago did not appeal … The grounds, while spacious enough for the existing population, were too small for plans for enlargement.” Despite this, Mrs Cowell, parents and the staff worked hard to make the school more attractive and to keep school life interesting for students.

Mrs Cowell said: “1964 could be called Danebank’s most

important year. The school underwent a complete transformation. The old country house with all its conversions and additions was on the way out and the modern school of today began to make its appearance.” Plans for the new Edith Roseby Ball House (secondary building) were drawn up and adopted in July. An official ceremony in November laid the foundation stone and Stage 1 was underway. The Miss Danebank quest was won by Lynette Ginman (Samuel).

Right: Laying the Foundation Stone

Left: Mr NJ Heslop

Right: Sturt Duncan

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Down Memory LaneStage Four of the building project was

completed and fund-raising activities were undertaken by the P&F. The school continued to thrive and children enjoyed many treats such as the annual Easter Parade. A number of staff changes occurred. Mrs Ruby Hall (Ruby Payne Scott) retired after having taken the school through all the changes in Science syllabuses that the Wyndham Scheme had introduced. It was not until years later that people became aware of Mrs Hall’s status in the scientific community as Australia’s first woman radio astronomer.Mrs Cowell also retired at the end of the year and her mammoth contribution to the school was acknowledged when the new library was named in her honour, the JC Cowell Library.

1974

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04Founders Day had become an annual celebration and the

first SRC (Student Representative Council) was established. Yarra-Mundi had been purchased in 1981 so by 1984 a large group of boarders had made it their home. It was at this time, too, that the school’s Commercial Class was established (later to become Life Skills) to accommodate students with learning disabilities in a separate learning unit. Heslop Hall (pictured right) was the scene of many musical and dramatic activities.

A new publication, Danebank Today, was launched. The Principal, Miss

Bird, described it as marking “a new perspective in the life of the school,” because the articles were based on themes that were relevant for the day. The publication continues today, twice a year. In its first year, Danebank Today described Danebank’s win in the inaugural Youth Press Award which was run by the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. It showed the bellringers performing at a wedding and it acknowledged the donation of a flagpole to the school by Hurstville Rotary. The first combined Autumn Fair and Open Day was held the same year.

2004 was an eventful time. In October, the new Terraces

building was officially opened by Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of NSW. The building provided state-of-the-art facilities for the TAS and Creative Arts faculties which the girls took to with great relish. The Junior School appreciated the support of parents who came in to the school to hear children read. Earlier in the year, Mrs Cathy Parkes, Sports Co-ordinator, was presented with an Order of Australia medal for her services to sports and Mrs Dian Rickards retired after giving 28.5 years of service to Danebank.

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2004

Right: Youth Press