O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E S T R I TA ' S C O L L E G E A L U M N A E

Virtute I S SUE N INETEENDECEMBER 2017

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Reconnect with Rita'sVirtute is your biannual alumnae magazine. If you have an idea for an article, past student profile or photo you think should be considered please email your suggestion to alumnae@stritas.qld.edu.au.Ensure you stay up to date with Alumnae news and events by contacting us with your updated details.

Update your details online at www.stritas.qld.edu.au or email alumnae@stritas.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3862 1615.

Inside this Issue of Virtute ...Principal's Report 1,4

A word from our Patron 2

President's Report 3

St Rita's Longest Lunch 5

Walkout 6

Marion House Bridge to Brisbane 6

Mother Daughter Dinner 7

Father Daughter Breakfast 7

A Matter of Perspective 8

SRC Carnival 9

Light the Night / The 60 Year Reunion 10

Reunions 11

Debating 2017 12

Pr inc ipa l ' s r e p o r t

Mrs Dale MorrowPrincipal

“Kasserian Ingera” -

“Kasserian Ingera”. Unless you were familiar with the African Masai culture and language, you would not know

the meaning of this phrase. It is the traditional greeting offered when members of tribes meet. It is best translated as: “Are the children well?” It is an acknowledgement of the high regard and value the Masai place on the well-being of their children. The best response they could receive is the traditional answer: “All the children are well,” meaning, of course, that peace and safety prevail – that the priorities of protecting the young and powerless are in place - that Masai society has not forgotten its reason for being and

its responsibilities. “All the children are well” means that life is good: it means that the daily struggles of existence do not preclude proper care for the young.

This beautiful sentiment would sit well with those of us who have responsibility for students at St Rita’s for it is in our DNA to judge how we are going by asking the question: “How goes it with the children?” We strive to always be able to give as the answer: “All the children are well”.

At this time of year writing an article for Virtute provides me with the opportunity to reflect on the year that has been. In particular, I am prompted to ask myself the question: “Have we been true to what matters to us as a community?” This is an important question that we must always ask ourselves if we are to continue to respond authentically to the mission of the College. We do

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I am taking pen to paper, or rather finger to computer, in the

wake of having just recently been a participant in the ceremony of the investiture of the Medal for the Order of Australia in the General Division. It was an honour that I accepted on behalf of all of us who have been associated with our beloved St Rita’s.

The citation read as follows:For service to secondary

education in Queensland, especially through dedication to the students, families and teachers of St Rita’s College, both as Principal and as a teacher of Science and Mathematics, and for longstanding service to Catholic Education in Queensland.

This was a very formal ceremony held at Government House on the 15th September. We were inducted in the protocol of accepting the award and addressing the Governor. This was then followed by morning tea served in the beautiful gardens of Government house.

These awards, in various categories, had been handed out for the entire week. Our group consisted of twenty four recipients.

As each recipient received their award, a citation was read out stating the grounds on which that particular person was given their award. As the Governor stressed in his address, it was an award given for merit. There were many people of merit in Queensland.

As I reflected on the occasion, I thought about all those who were involved with my award. If there were no students, there would be no award. Youth has its own energy and those who are associated with young people must of necessity breathe in and out this energy.

Again, an individual teacher alone, would not be able to run a school of education. There is much team work in teaching. Certainly there is a syllabus to be followed that regulates what is taught and the time frame for that learning to be imparted.

But we need a group of dedicated teachers who share common values. We are not all like- minded but we do have in common the values of our Presentation heritage. We need teachers who care for the whole person so that our young people do not just grow in knowledge, but also in Christian values; young people who are committed to making our world a better place for future generations.

The manner in which that teaching is imparted needs to meet the needs of the students. Having been associated with

teaching at St Rita’s for over fifty years, I have realised that although the students are still dressed in their brown, new techniques must be adopted.

Students today are more vocal in their criticism of how teaching is imparted. As teachers we have to compete with how the media engages students’ interests. I believe that there is nothing worse than sitting through a boring lesson, hence, the need to make our lessons stimulating.

That does not mean that we do not deliver that which is challenging or demanding of a student’s attention. The greatest success that a teacher can have is when the whole class is on task and pushing the boundaries of what can be or why it is not.

This does not mean that deep, concentrated work does not occur. That is necessary, but it does help to dress it up more attractively; to get students hooked so that they will want to pursue the topic further.

As a teacher, my most challenging moments have been when a student asks me a question that I have not thought about before and have no ready answer. I admit to the class that this is the case and suggest that we think about this for tomorrow.

Today, I suggest that we use the internet to see what others have said on this topic. This could lead to a discussion regarding whether we agree or not and why we take that stand. Teachers are able to share their ideas and work together to produce a better learning environment.

Even buildings have had to change to adjust to the 21st century. No longer do students sit in straight rows and work individually all the time. There are times when group work is more beneficial. Classrooms need to adjust for this; they need to be attractive and conducive to learning. They need to be places where students feel safe and comfortable. They should be welcoming and stimulating.

St Rita’s does not stand alone in isolation but has its community behind it. The students, the community, the staff and the students – each part contributes to the whole to make St Rita’s the school that it is today.

As a Presentation school, we need to ensure that our Christian values play a key role, that we treat all people in our College with dignity, as other Christians. As a Presentation school, we need to constantly ask ourselves how Nano would act in such a particular situation.

Unfortunately, no school is perfect and we often fall short of the ideal. However, the important part is to keep trying to make it truly a Nano Nagle school.

Sr Elvera SestaPatron

Sr Elvera SestaPatron

A word from our Patron

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Anna MartiniActing President

The St Rita’s College theme for 2017 is ‘Simplicity’ and

with this in mind, we viewed this year as an opportunity to take stock, reflect and plan for the future. Our aim, going forward, is to ensure that we have the correct foundations to enable us to continue our initiatives successfully, and to contribute and support Alumnae members and the College.

The Alumnae has for some years experienced fantastic growth and expansion within the Alumnae community and the College. As a result of working closely with the College, we have worked together to ensure that our community both past and present is more integrated. Some highlights of this include:

• Alumnae events;• Reunions and College tours;• Supporting bursaries within the school, eg the

Music Group;• Sponsorship of the College Prix d’honneur

award;• Involvement in Careers day and work

experience;• Virtute Newsletter;• Presenting graduating Year 12 students with

their Alumnae key ring.

This year we have heard of many alumnae succeeding and being held front and centre within their chosen careers. This has not only been encouraging to hear but it has also served as a tool to inspire current students at the College to go above and beyond. Girls really can do anything and it is wonderful that we have numerous examples of successful Alumnae that we can call upon to offer guidance to current students. The Year 10 Careers Day is a good example where Alumnae members were invited to speak on their chosen careers to students.

As with any voluntary association, it is generosity of members that help put it all together and without them the Alumnae would not work as effectively.

Thanks go out to Madonna Terry (’00), Brianna Bright (’95), Linda Quain (’93), Liz Devine (’87), Samantha Toohey (’04), Lorraine Specogna (’78), Deanna Delany and of course our Alumnae Patron Sr Elvera Sesta, pbvm (’55). Special thanks must also go to Mrs Dale Morrow, College Principal, for her enthusiasm, grace and leadership.

As our planning continues for 2018 and beyond, we look forward to bringing our alumnae community together through various alumnae events, working more closely with the College and highlighting the successes of St Rita’s College students.

To all our alumnae members and your families, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Anna MartiniActing President

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PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Mrs Dale MorrowPrincipal

have a very special community, made up of our current girls and their families, and of course the alumnae – those who have gone before us and who have left the rich legacy that we enjoy today. Honouring and building on this legacy is a responsibility that we take very seriously and we know we have an obligation to add to the history of this

great school in ways that our alumnae will be proud of. 2017 has been a year where we thought about what

it means to live a simple life. The writer and theologian, Mary Jo Leddy, has highlighted in articles on this very message the importance of taking stock of our lives and coming to some rational decision of how we should partake in our modern consumerist society. She concludes:

“…we must at some point say this, mean it, and live it: It’s enough, I have enough. I am enough. Life is enough. I need to gratefully enjoy what I have”.

The senior girls have been at the forefront of taking aspects of this theme and presenting challenges and projects for the student body. They have shown much enthusiasm and leadership sharing ideas and running many projects which included Rita’s Rummage (clothes recycling) and taking charge of a school wide recycling program. The College has looked to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by installing solar panels on the Eirene roof and already this initiative has contributed significantly in not only reducing our carbon footprint but also our power bill over the past 12 months.

This time last year I mentioned that we were in the process of constructing a Masterplan for the College. The plan is very comprehensive and I am pleased to report its implementation will commence in the new year. A number of early works projects will commence in the first part of the year and then an 18-month period has been set to complete stage 1 and 2 of the plan. The developments in this Masterplan will provide spaces for the Arts to flourish in appropriate and beautiful amenities. Also included will be twelve new classrooms, which will provide greater opportunity

for co-operative and collaborative learning. Movement around the campus will also be greatly improved with new levels being set to create more flat spaces suitable for seating and greater social engagement for the girls at break times. The architects have run a number of focus groups to understand what the girls want in terms of seating and they have listened and included this feedback in their designs.

There is another important piece of news I would like to share with you in this edition of Virtute and that is news about a significant award being bestowed on one of our illustrious Alumnae members. Recently I attended Government House to witness Sr Elvera receive her Order of Australia medal (OAM). I felt a great sense of pride as Sister’s name was called. She has been honoured with this significant award for her contribution to education over many decades. Sister has been described as an inspirational, strong, passionate leader and ‘a legend’ in Queensland education.

Remarkably Sister Elvera first came to St Rita’s as a Year 4 boarding student in 1947, not knowing that the Sisters and the College would form and shape the rest of her life. After school she made the decision to join the Presentation Order and after her initial Religious training began university study at UQ studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This was notable in itself given that there were not many women in those days who went on to tertiary study in the first place and even fewer who pursued Science.

Sister Elvera’s ongoing contributions to teaching began in 1960 and her first teaching post was back at her Alma Mater. She commenced as a Science and Mathematics teacher, and taught here for a number of years until, in 1979, she was appointed Deputy Principal, the year of the College’s 53rd anniversary. After serving in this position for a little time she was sent to study in Chicago, USA and after returning to St Rita’s in 1989, she began as Principal.

In her role as Principal, Sister always had an enthusiastic approach to improving the educational outcomes of the girls and the facilities at the College. In 1996 she instigated and oversaw the major refurbishment of a number of the school’s buildings as well as the construction of new buildings. This

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On Sunday 8th October, 230 parents, alumnae and friends enjoyed a wonderful afternoon

of good food, wine and music at the annual Rita’s Longest Lunch. Held as a fundraiser for the Music Support Group, guests relished the opportunity to spend time with friends, chatting, eating and listening to music. Two beautiful long tables laid across the flat, beautifully decorated with cuisine ranging from indulgent through to simplistic. Pulling off such a huge event is not easy, and it is a result of parent generosity and support from local businesses that events such as the Longest Lunch are successfully held. From organising the catering, table decorations, set up and pack down, parent assistance is always invaluable to the College. Keep an eye out for the next Rita’s Longest Lunch in 2018.

St Rita’s Longest Lunch

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included the Presentation Centre and Panayia Pantry (1996), the Eirene Centre (2000), and the Acqua Rosa Centre (2003). Sister is still teaching at the College as well as fulfilling roles of College photographer and work experience co-ordinator.

Overall, Sister Elvera’s enduring contributions to St Rita’s include two decades as Principal, strategic roles with the Queensland Catholic Education Commission and an ongoing focus on girl’s education. Sister Elvera is a wonderful example of a dedicated teacher, Deputy Principal and Principal. She has lived and continues to live by the College motto ‘Action not words”. I am sure I speak on behalf of the entire College community in congratulating Sister on being awarded an OAM which, in the Australian honours system, is recognition for outstanding achievement and service.

I know many of the alumnae would have had their lives touched by Sister and the College is proud to call Sister an alumna.

Finally, I would like to express my thanks for the ongoing support you provide to two families by offering half bursaries. I can report they have both been greatly valued by the families who received this support.

May God bless you and your families.

Dale MorrowPrincipal

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SRC Walkout 2017

An early start on a Sunday morning did not deter students participating in the annual St Rita’s Walkout on March 5th. The theme, ‘Battle of the Bands’ gave the students a great opportunity to dress up as their favourite performer/band.

From the Black Eyed Peas to Michael Jackson; from the Beatles to the Beach Boys, students dressed up and they enjoyed the opportunity to walk with their peers and listen to music.

The walkout is a mission event of the College and approximately 100 parents make up the team that enables the event to take place. Strategically placed along the route, parents provided water, fruit, lollies and the occasional spray of water.

This year’s walkout raised money to acquire computers for physically and intellectually challenged children and young adults in the Mithra Rehabilitation Centre in Chennai, India. The centre is run by the Presentation Sisters and each student was asked to bring a gold coin donation on the day to support the fundraising activity.

Marian House and

Kildare House (sister houses) entered a large group of students and parents into the Bridge to Brisbane to support their Wellbeing initiatives Beyond Blue and Headspace. The message was for students to see the connection between participation in physical activity as essential in promoting positive mental health.

In conjunction with this, Marian House hosted an “Active Wear for Active Minds” day for their annual colour day. To promote the work of Beyond Blue, Marian House holds its colour day in National Mental Health week each year. Marian House supplied a giant inflatable water slide for the whole school to enjoy to promote the benefits of active living. The whole college got behind the message of active living by wearing active wear on this day, with a very long line of students enjoying the water slide at lunch and after school on what was possibly the hottest school day of the year.

It is an initiative that Marian House will continue in years to come to support Beyond Blue each Mental Health week.

Liz DevineHead of House, Marian

Marion House Bridge to Brisbane

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On Saturday 13th May, St

Rita’s held the annual ‘Mother Daughter Dinner’ at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now in its 14th year, the dinner is one of the most popular

events on the College Calendar and an opportunity for mothers/guardians and daughters of all year levels to come together to celebrate the union of mothers, caregivers and daughters within the College community. Attended by over 600 people, it was a wonderful opportunity to hear from special guest speaker and past student Laeticia Carr (2014) and her mother, Christine Carr.

In 2012 Laeticia, whilst still at school, had a dream, a creative idea and a passion to begin her own

company.  With the support of her mother Christine, family and friends, Hot Lollie was born. Laeticia and Christine gave the audience a wonderful insight into their mother daughter relationship since Hot Lollie started, how it had changed through the years and how it brought them together closer and stronger. Once the formalities were over mothers/guardians and their daughters took to the dance floor to celebrate together.

The St Rita’s Sports Subcommittee held its annual Father Daughter Breakfast on Friday 25th

August with over 550 fathers and their daughters in attendance. Special guest speakers included Trevor Gillmeister, Kate McCarthy (’09) and Rupert McCall with Grant O’Hara as MC. Both Trevor and Kate provided invaluable insights into their respective sporting careers and Rupert proudly orated a poem he had written for the League legend, Gillmeister. Copies of the poem were later auctioned off with proceeds going towards the College sports program which assists with bursaries offered by the Sports subcommittee for girls who are selected for regional, state, national or international representation. A wonderful morning was had by all who attended, and it was great to see Dads and their daughters together, enjoying breakfast and some time together.

Father Daughter Breakfast

Mother Daughter Dinner

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A Matter of Perspective

This year, sixty students have participated in one of five immersion experiences facilitated by the

College: Cambodia (June), Longreach (June), Murgon (June) and Arnhem Land (September). Given the overwhelming interest in the Murgon Immersion this year, another trip is planned in November. In September 2018, the College will lead its fifth immersion to India.

Each of these immersions offers students an encounter with the life experiences of others that are quite different to their own. They extend students outward and beyond familiar perspectives. Through various activities, students enter into the service of others. They both give and receive: materially, relationally, spiritually. It is our hope that these experiences are truly transformative and their effect life-long.

An immersion is not a holiday. On immersion, students travel more as pilgrim than tourist. They seek to feel more than just to see. This experience of other peoples and cultures prompts change; students simply can’t see the world in the same way anymore.

The following quotations have been contributed by the students who have participated in an immersion this year. They will give you an insight into some of their experiences and the effect of these experiences on them:

“The Murgon Immersion offers few luxuries. In this, our year of Simplicity, it was a wonderful opportunity to remember how many people in our world have no choice but to live simply. We do not need many material goods to live a meaningful life.”

“During our time at St Joseph’s, we offered the staff our support and the students the companionship and care we could give. In turn, they extended to us generous hospitality.” Murgon Immersion

“We made connections with the children that reached levels we never thought were possible. Over the next four days, our relationships with the children prospered.” Murgon Immersion

“In Cambodia, we had two main mission foci: our work at LaValla school near Phnom Penh, and building toilets for two disabled women in a village near the Cambodia/Thai border. It was rather confronting to see things that you wouldn't normally experience in Australia; however, it was eye-opening as it helped us to realise the different conditions and struggles people face.” Emily Buckland  

“When at LaValla you can’t look past the work of Brother Terry who dedicates so much to the children in order for them to receive basic necessities and experience a place where they feel welcomed. His work is truly inspiring yet he is so humble in all he does.”

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SRC Carnival

On a beautiful Sunday morning in July, the St Rita’s flat was transformed into an array

of colour, people and food stalls for the annual St Rita’s Carnival/Open Day. This year, the College recorded the largest number of prospective St Rita’s families. Families attending the carnival/open day toured the College, enjoyed the various curriculum displays, sports, musical and drama performances, and took time to relax and enjoy the various foods that were on offer. From Indian to Italian, Greek to BBQ, weeks of preparation, cooking and baking ensured there was an abundance of food available. The overwhelming support and contributions from parents and friends within the school community ensured the carnival/open day was the success that it was.

Battle of the Bands, continued to be a huge success with the largest number of entries on record from various schools. Eight bands took the stage from 1.00pm to battle it out and provide Carnival goers with the afternoon’s entertainment.

Lily van der Wal, Cambodia Immersion“Most of the children at LaValla are from

poor families and are outcasts in society because of their disabilities. However, despite this, these children are some of the happiest people I have ever met, and their pure excitement at greeting and welcoming us each morning was inspiring and a testament to how truly resilient they are.” Danielle King, Cambodia Immersion

“It was amazing to witness the sense of community present in such a remote location, especially given the hardships of drought they continue to experience.” Bessie Bowden, Longreach Immersion

“We really enjoyed the trip, getting to know our host families, as well as experiencing the beauty of the outback.” Eloise Martin, Longreach Immersion

“The Arnhem Land Immersion was an amazing chance to not only see a different part of Australia but truly immerse ourselves in Aboriginal culture and way of life. It's fair to say that we felt a connection to not only the people we met but also the land we stayed on and the culture we learnt about. I could talk for days about what I have heard and seen; to name just one highlight is impossible.” Rebecca Grieve

Richard RoguszAssistant Principal Mission

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On Friday 6th October, girls from Xaverian House and Year 8, were invited to support one of our

students, Tamlin Hall, at the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night event at Southbank. Tamlin was earlier this year diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that she has been bravely fighting. She approached the College

early in Term 3 asking for support in her quest to raise money and awareness for blood cancers. It was wonderful to see Tamlin enjoying the walk with some of her friends and talking about her future years at the College.

Light the Night

60 Year Reunion (l958 Jnr – l960 Snr)Date Saturday 3 March 2018Time 11.30 for 12 noon – Crosby Park Events Centre

Venue Brothers Albion, Ruggers Restaurant, 103 Crosby Road, Albion

Contacts Lorraine Daly (nee Bradley) lmd42@bigpond.com Peggy O’Keeffe (nee Smith) peggy16143@gmail.com

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Reunions60 Years of Friendship

T he Senior Class of 1957 and the Junior Class of 1955 gathered for their annual reunion at Room with Roses in the Brisbane Arcade. We have met annually for the last 22 years and are still in contact with around 75% of the original number.

Three of us, Glynne, Anne Louise and Tanda met at school in 1945, and are still friends today.

We have two mottos – "Virtute AND Verbis" and "Long may we Lunch".

40 Year ReunionGraduating years - Year12 of 1978 and including Year 10 of 1976

More information available through:Sue Tuite [nee: Conry] stuite@stritas.qld.edu.au , Jodi Sayer [nee: Sullivan] sayerjj@bigpond.net.au or

Lorraine Specogna [nee:Woodgate] spe@stritas.qld.edu.au

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Debating 2017

The debating program has continued to thrive at St Rita’s with this year fielding

a total of seventy-two students across sixteen teams. Teams participated in the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) and the Brisbane Girls Debating Association (BGDA). The BGDA 11.1 team successfully took the Grand Final. This is a significant accomplishment especially considering all BGDA debates are prepared within an hour! In the QDU competition, seven teams progressed through to the knockout finals, resulting in the 9.1 team competing in the Grand Final. For the first time, the school was invited to enter a Senior A team into the QDU competition. The St Rita’s structure consists of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 so there is progression of talent in years to come. This has been a great challenge for the girls, providing them with an opportunity to extend themselves as debaters and teammates at the highest level of high school debating. This new team progressed to round two finals. Alongside their participation in these QDU and BGDA competitions, several girls trialled for selection in the state debating team. Amelia Asplin, year 11, progressed through to the final top 12 competitors. This year, St Rita’s also hosted a preliminary round of the National Debating Championships and, as an audience, many senior debaters were able to enjoy the art and challenge of

debating at this prestigious level. The Year 7 program has been a year to develop skills. The college debating captain continued the mentoring program of young debaters as a coach of a junior team.

Alongside the debating program, there are other opportunities for students to engage in public speaking. The UN Youth’s Evatt Trophy Competition is a forum of students representing countries and negotiating mock UN Security matters. It is an opportunity for public speaking, negotiation, teamwork, research and diplomatic skills as they debate. This year, four students from year 9 and two students from year 12 competed. Special congratulations to Frederique Bloomfield and Chloé de Saint Ours-Parker who progressed to

the Grand Final Round of this competition. Another speaking competition, UN Youth Voice, asked contestants to present their innovative solutions to some of the world’s most prominent and pressing issues. This year a year 7 student competed and found it an enriching experience.

Every girl should be very proud of her efforts in the debating program which is possible through the dedication and support of many staff who coach and refine the skills of the members.