Alumni Newsletter - August 2023

As we continue through the 2023 academic year, Ravenswood School for Girls remains a vibrant and unified community, buzzing with community events. Love RAVO Day, celebrated in June alongside the biennial Giving Day, showcased the spirit of sisterhood and togetherness within the School.

The day marked the opening of the new Wellbeing Path, a 800-metre pathway, which encompasses reflection spots, garden beds, inspirational quotes, and sustainable pictogram art installations designed by award-winning environmental artist Ravenswood Alumni Jennifer Turpin (1975). This project was made possible by the generous donations of Alumni and supporters from our 2021 Giving Day.

The enthusiasm displayed by students, staff, and families as they walked and embraced the Wellbeing Path was truly inspiring. The day also saw remarkable generosity from the Ravenswood community, with $630,000 donated during the 2023 Giving Day.

Thank you to Alumni who generously gave their time to volunteer in the Giving Day telethon room, and to the generations of Alumni donors who valuably supported by giving so generously on the day. The funds we received from the RAVO community will support life-changing scholarships and bursaries, and the development of Ravenswood’s new state-of-the-art Wellbeing and Sport Centre.

As you will see in this issue, Ravenswood Alumni continue to make their mark internationally in various fields, from sports, and science to arts.

This edition is also filled with exciting news, upcoming events and 2023 reunions.

You are a treasured part of the Ravenswood community, and we hope you are all well.

If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact the Ravenswood Community Engagement team at alumni@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au.

Alumni Spotlight

International Art Presence

Emerging artist Jinjin (Joyce) Guo (2019) had her artwork Great Wall Amnesia exhibited at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne and the Australian Embassy in Beijing in January. The artwork was also selected for the Il est temps (It’s Time) exhibition at Galerie Francis Barlier in Paris.

Joyce, a UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture student, was also nominated recently to exhibit at Le Réveil (Awakening) at Galerie Francis Barlier in March.

You can follow Joyce's journey on Instagram .

Alumni Sporting Successes

Track and Field

Former Ravenswood Athletics Captain and Alumni Emily Britton (2019) competed at the 100th Australian Track and Field Championships in Brisbane in April, achieving fourth place in the 100 metres hurdles final with a time of 13.30 seconds. Fellow Alumni Kate Wahby (2019) and Alicia MacMillan (2022) also competed in the championships. Kate placed 25th in the 400-metre and 17th in the 200-metre. Alicia, Ravenswood’s 2022 Sport Captain, finished 10th in the Under 20 heptathlon, delivering a personal-best throw in javelin, despite entering the competition with minimal preparation due to overcoming an injury.

First Place in Hawaii Half Marathon

Meanwhile, former Ravenswood School Captain Lucy Walsh (2022) recently travelled to Hawaii to compete in her first-ever half-marathon, the Hapalua Half-Marathon, saluting the judges to take home first place in the female 15–19 years age division.

Progressing to Elite Level in Netball

Congratulations to Emily Moore (2014), a keen and highly talented Netball player during her time at Ravenswood, who progressed to the elite level as a player and currently representing the Queensland Firebirds in Suncorp Super Netball. In 2020, Emily coached the Ravenswood Junior Firsts Netball team during the Term 3 IGSA Sport season, showcasing her skills as a coach.

Alumni Achievements in the US

Ravenswood Alumni Molly Marks Meenan (2015) and Ellie Marks (2018) received US university scholarships. Molly graduated from Purdue University with Distinction in Communications and works in Los Angeles for TMB Jukin Media. She's a passionate CrossFit athlete, personal trainer, and Health Coach, aiming for the CrossFit Games. Molly also volunteers with underprivileged children in Hawaii. Ellie studies Bio-Psychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, pursuing a career in surgery. She conducts genetics research on fibromuscular dysplasia and serves as the Student President for the Adaptive Athletes program, advocating for inclusive sports like wheelchair tennis, basketball, and softball.

Ravenswood Connections

Past Ravenswood parent Mr Ted Price reached out to the Ravenswood Archives in late 2022 upon discovering a copy of Ravenswood in Retrospect printed in February 1952. Ted’s family had been part of the Ravenswood community for much of the 20th century. His mother Betty Price (Wright, 1929) and aunts Helen Game (Wright, 1938), Marjorie Pugh (Price, 1931) and Mary Abraham (Price, 1928) attended Ravenswood.

Ted’s maternal grandfather Charles Wright (1904) and great-uncle Willie Wright (1906) were included in the initial enrolment roll of Miss Mabel Fidler, our founding Headmistress, before boys were excluded from the School. His paternal grandfather, Mr Harcourt Clarence Price, was a member of the early 1925 Advisory and Finance Committee and his great-aunt, Miss Dorrie Price, was Secretary of the Ladies’ Advance Committee. His wife Eunice Price (McPherson, 1960) was a boarder and his two daughters Carolyn (1993) and Melissa (1995) are also Alumni.

Ravenswood community members can reach out to Ravenswood Archives with any family history questions, or to organise a tour of the School by emailing archives@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au

Weddings and Births

We congratulate the following Alumni on their celebratory news.

Skye Buttenshaw (2004) married Irishman Sean Flannery in December 2022 at Elanora Country Club in Sydney.
Jessica Meyer (2012) married Devinda Jayewardene in March 2023 in Palm Beach.
Rebecca Haefeli (2010) married Ruairidh Wilson in a Scottish Australian wedding at Somerley House in December 2022.
Ravenswood Music Teacher and Alumni Emma Stockwell (2012) married J ack Chatters in March 2023. The wedding and reception were held at Oatlands House with sister Carmen Stockwell (2015) and mother Lindy Stockwell (Marx, 1975) in attendance.
Congratulations to 2004 School Vice Captain, Anna Ching (Bosch, 2004), on the birth of her third daughter, Olivia , pictured right.

Skye Buttenshaw and Sean Flannery

Jessica Meyer and Devinda Jayewardene

Rebecca Haefeli and bridesmaids Meghan (Meg) Haefeli (2006) and Georgia Haefeli (2014), Laura Rees (Wiadrowski, 2010) and Ashleigh Hallsmith (Browne, 2010).

Emma Stockwell and Jack Chatters

Olivia Ching-Bosch

Vale

Dr. Janice Corbett , a dedicated teacher at Ravenswood from 1972 to 2000, passed away peacefully at home on 14 May 2023. Her profound impact on students' lives and contributions to education will be dearly remembered.

Margaret (Marg) Searle , a beloved Mathematics teacher at Ravenswood for over 20 years, sadly passed away on 22 July 2023 after bravely battling illness. Her nurturing approach and passion for teaching inspired countless students. She will be deeply missed. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 9 August 2023, at 10.15 am in the North Chapel of the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. Family, friends, colleagues, and former students are invited to come together to pay their respects and bid farewell.

Share Your News

We love to celebrate special milestones of Alumni and include these celebrations in Semper and the Alumni Newsletter. Whether you have recently married, had a baby, or an important professional or personal achievement, please feel free to send it to alumni@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au . We look forward to hearing from you!

Recent Alumni Events

Kindle the Flame Book Launch

To mark Ravenswood’s 120th anniversary, a book titled Kindle the Flame celebrating the history of the School and its Alumni was officially launched in February at a special Assembly attended by Alumni, students, and staff. Alumni were invited to lunch following the Assembly where they had the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book, meet the author Sophie Church and have her sign their book.

Ravenswood Alumni attending the event were from a number of cohorts from 1965 to 2022. Representing the Alumni Committee were President Lisa Boyce (Clancy, 1990), Vice President Georgia Vanos (2001) and Rachel Fife (Newton, 1997).

Ravenswood Alumni generously gifted each 2023 Year 12 student with a copy of the book, presented to them at a Term 2 Year Group meeting by Alumni Committee members Rachel Fife (Newton, 1997) and Sarah Robinson (Newton, 1992).

In 1901, visionary educator Mabel Fidler founded Ravenswood School for Girls with eight students, and a vision to educate and empower young women. Now 122 years later, Ravenswood’s new coffee table history book ‘Kindle the Flame’ by Sophie Church, celebrates our School, which is loved by generations of women and their families. The 256-page book recounts the milestones of the School by Principal eras with a colourful array of archival photos and ephemera that brings the history of Ravenswood to life.

Purchase your copy for $49.95 now

Author Sophie Church, Principal Mrs Johnstone and Marjorie Binns

Recent Leavers Reunion

The Class of 2021 Recent Leavers Reunion held in the Senior Learning Centre in February was an outstanding success with more than 60 Alumni attending the event. The cohort was delighted to see a number of Year 12 staff and the Senior Leadership Team at the event.

The evening included a presentation by Ravenswood Principal Anne Johnstone and Ravenswood Alumni Committee Secretary Vivienne Yang (2020) who welcomed the 2021 Leavers to the reunion. Also representing Ravenswood Alumni at the reunion were Alumni President, Lisa Boyce (Clancy, 1990) and Alumni Committee member Melissa Munn (1988).

International Woman’s Day (IWD)

In March, Alumni Kathryn (Kate) McLoughlin (Perrin, 1996), Australian Team Chef de Mission and General Manager of Sport for Paralympics Australia, was the special guest at Ravenswood’s International Woman’s Day celebrations.

She inspired the students during a rousing speech and a dynamic Q&A and explained with authenticity and passion the similarities between the goals of International Women’s Day and what she and her team are trying to achieve through the Australian Paralympic movement.

Kathryn (Kate) McLoughlin (Perrin, 1996) with Principal Mrs Anne Johnstone and School Vice Captain Georgina King, Captain Sydney Bao and Vice Captain Clare Goben

Foundation Dinner

In March, the Ravenswood Foundation Dinner – an Evening with Dr Gail Kelly, held for the first time since 2019, attracted 120 guests, included some 18 of our Alumni, who had the chance to hear from inspirational leader and Chair of Ravenswood Council, Dr Gail Kelly.

Dr Kelly demonstrated her great passion for Ravenswood in a dynamic Q&A with Principal Mrs Anne Johnstone, sharing insights and reflections on her pioneering career. Peppering her wisdom with humour, she offered inspirational advice for women in leadership while describing some of the amusing challenges she faced juggling work and life.

2023 Anzac Commemorative Service

In April, Gabrielle Hendry (2012) was the special guest at the School’s Anzac service. Gabrielle is currently the Senior Regulatory Officer for the Information and Privacy Commission and has served part time in the Australian Army for the past seven years as a Lieutenant.

She has served as a transport troop commander, program coordinator and logistics officer for COVID-19 assist and as an operations officer for bushfire assist. She addressed the Senior School and shared her stories of grit and resilience, and her experience of service and sacrifice.

Year 12 Cadets, Ms Gabrielle Hendry (2012) and Mrs Anne Johnstone

Open Day

Rachel Fife (Newton, 1997) represented Ravenswood Alumni at the 2023 Open Day in April. The Alumni stand based in the LRC featured a looped PowerPoint highlighting prominent Alumni, an Archives display and sales of the book Kindle the Flame. More than 700 prospective parents and their daughters attended the event.

Singapore Community Event

In May, Dr Gaily Kelly and Chair of Foundation, Mr John McLean hosted the Ravenswood Singapore Community Cocktail Reception. The event was held at The Batik Room, Singapore Botanic Gardens with Ravenswood Alumni Kylie McLean (Allen, 1984) and Dora Chan (2003) joining future parents at the special event.

Wellbeing Path Opens

The School welcomed Fidler Fellows and Alumni Louise Bosch (Faulkner, 1974) and Elizabeth Cameron (1980), and Alumni Jane Selig (Williams, 1982) and Melissa Munn (1988) to a special Morning Tea on Love RAVO Day to reveal the new Wellbeing Path. This was followed by a special Senior School Assembly where Jennifer Turpin (1975) who contributed to the art installations addressed the students and staff.

Alumni and Ravenswood Council Member Georgina Blix (2003) was also a special guest at the Assembly where she was thanked for her Wellbeing Path project management contributions.

Alumni reunion organisers are encouraged to host their reunions on campus so Alumni have the opportunity to walk and experience the new Wellbeing Path.

Alumni Careers Networking Evening

In June, Ravenswood hosted the Alumni Careers Networking Evening, giving Senior students and their parents the opportunity to engage in inspiring conversations with 32 Ravenswood Alumni working in a variety of careers.

Students and their families were thankful for the insights provided by our Alumni, who represented an array of sectors including education, creative industries, design, architecture, performing arts, health, medicine, commerce, law, technology, sciences and the not-for-profit sector.

Alumni Jennifer Firbank (2003) – Telstra Cyber Security Strategy and Influence Principal and former Telstra Chief of Staff to CISO Asia Pacific – was the special guest speaker.

The Alumni who kindly shared their time and insights were:

Nicole Beavan (1996)
Lisa Boyce (Clancy, 1990)
Tanya Boys (Brown, 1993)
Suzanne Bravery (1977)
Saskia Carolan (2018)
Emma Chan (2010)
Jacqueline Cowdery (2020)
Acacia Cowan (2018)
Professor Penny Crofts (1987)
Penny Gerstle (Henderson, 1983)
Judith Hammerschlag (2002)
Tracy Hancock (1996)
Kristine Hunt (2015)
Celia Judd (2016)
Maddie Jones (2014)

Katie Kaars (1995)
Sarah Walter (Priddle, 1990)
Rebekah McKenzie (2012)
Victoria McMartin (Senior, 1998)
Soriah MacLean (2013)
Elyse Landsberry (2018)
Rosalind Loo (2007)
Amelia Parsonage (2014)
Mietta Reed (2017)
Jasmin Stephens (1978)
Olivia Tilley (2013)
Pip Warren (Wines, 1992)
Nicola Warton (English, 2011)
Dr Allison Wyndham (1989)
Ashley Young (London, 1996).

Ravenswood Alumni Generations Breakfast

The Ravenswood Alumni Generations Breakfast on 27 July brought together three generations of Alumni mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and their Ravenswood student daughters, granddaughters, and nieces. It was a heartwarming celebration of family connections and the special bond within the Ravenswood community. The event was a resounding success, allowing our guests to create new cherished memories over a scrumptious breakfast.

News

Semper Winter 2023

Keep an eye out for the Winter 2023 Semper (edition #63) in the mail soon. The issue showcases extraordinary student and Alumni stories and achievements while highlighting recent community news and reunions. If you live overseas or don't receive your copy, you can view a digital version here . If you haven't been receiving Semper, You can also update your contact details here .

Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize

The Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize is an annual acquisitive prize that was launched in 2017 to advance art and opportunity for emerging and established women artists in Australia.

It is the highest-value professional artist prize for women only in Australia, offering a $35,000 Professional Artist Prize, a $5,000 Emerging Artist Prize, and a $5,000 Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize. There is also a People's Choice Award with a cash prize of $2,000 and a Derivan art pack valued at $500.

This year, the Art Prize received a record-breaking 2042 entries from across Australia, nearly double the number of entries for the prestigious Archibald Prize. 24 artworks were sold during the Exhibition period.

Maria-Fernanda Cardoso won the Professional Artist prize with her artwork Actual Size V (Maratus Madelineae) , magnifying a tiny spider to reveal intricate patterns and textures.

Alethea Richter received the Emerging Artist Prize for her silkscreen artwork Untitled (Dissolution1) , praised for its mesmerising use of coloured dots. Freyja Fristad, a Wiradjuri artist, won the Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize for her artwork Interference of Perception: Rhopography (Lamp) , which beautifully merged traditional indigenous elements with contemporary aesthetics.

The prize is proudly supported by partners Marshall. Chan. Yahl. Real Estate, Trippas White Group (TWG), Active Networks, R.M. Williams OUTBACK magazine, The Art Scene, Buildcorp, Clarke Murphy Print, Architectus, EPM Projects, Olan Living, Optus, and Derivan, as well as the Tritton Family, the Reed Family Foundation and Edwina Palmer who are dedicated to advancing women in the arts.

If you or your organisation are interested in joining our partners for the 2024 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize, please contact artprize@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au for details of partnership packages available.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed Alumni judges Jennifer Turpin (1975), Kathryn Hendy-Ekers (Hendy, 1984), Jade Oakley (1993), and Katrina Collins (1975) for their valuable contributions to the Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize, enriching the selection process and upholding the mission of supporting women artists.

Jennifer Turpin, an exceptional environmental artist and cherished Ravenswood Alumni, has played a pivotal role as our Patron for an astounding seven years since the inception of the Art Prize. Jennifer's passion for collaborative, educative, and transformative projects has resonated with countless individuals, and her unwavering support has been a driving force behind the success of the Art Prize.

Additionally, we are delighted to express our gratitude to Jade Oakley, an esteemed Ravenswood Alumni and current Art Prize judge, who is graciously taking on the role of new Patron for the 2024 Art Prize. Jade's dedication to creating artworks that foster a strong connection between communities and their environment aligns perfectly with the vision of the Art Prize, and we are thrilled to have her support in advancing art and opportunities for women in Australia. With Jennifer's invaluable contributions over the years and Jade's artistic prowess and commitment to community engagement, we are confident that the Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize will continue to flourish and inspire countless artists for years to come.

Welcoming our newest Golden Girls

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the Class of 1973 as esteemed members of our Ravenswood Golden Girls. It is with great pride and gratitude that we honor your remarkable contribution to Ravenswood over the past 50 years.

To commemorate this milestone, we have posted a small token of appreciation to you - a golden bookmark and memorative card. These tokens symbolise the lasting impact you have made to our beloved institution and the legacy you leave behind.

Your continued involvement in the Ravenswood community means the world to us, and we eagerly anticipate sharing more cherished moments with you in the years to come.

If you have not yet received your special gift, kindly get in touch with Ms. Kim Williams, our Community Engagement & Events Manager, at alumni@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au or reach her via phone 02 9498 9995, so we can update your contact details and send your gift.

Commemorative Paver Program

In September 2022, Alumni, current students and parents came together over afternoon tea to view their newly-purchased personalised inscription pavers laid in the Old Girls' Courtyard. It was an opportunity to celebrate their connection with the School in an enduring way.

Open to all members of the Ravenswood community, the Foundation Commemorative Paver Program is an opportunity to create a memento of your Ravenswood days, celebrating your connection with the School in an enduring way by securing a personalised Commemorative Paver through a philanthropic and tax-deductible donation of $500 to the Ravenswood Building Fund. Personalised inscription pavers are laid in the Old Girls' Courtyard with donors invited to a special reveal event.

The 2023 Commemorative Paver Program is now open. If you would like to celebrate your connection with the School in an enduring way by purchasing a paver, view this page .

Career Experience Day

Are you passionate about your job or your organisation? Share what you do! We would love for you to be part of our upcoming Year 10 Career Experience Day on Friday 17 November. We are looking for companies to host approximately 30 students for a rewarding experience that could include office tours, inspiring panel discussions, breakout sessions with smaller groups, and the chance to hear from diverse career storytellers.

It would take approximately 2 hours in either the morning or afternoon as we guide and inspire the next generation of professionals. Contact Elise McDonald, Career Pathways, at careers@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au

Upcoming Alumni Reunions

2023 Reunions

Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate milestones, relive the memories and reconnect with your fellow graduates at our remarkable Alumni reunions organised by year groups.

If you would like to organise your Year Group’s reunion, please email the Ravenswood Community Engagement and Events team at alumni@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au .

To see if ticket sales have opened for your reunion, or for any other reunion information, please visit this page .

5 Year Reunion (Class of 2018)
Event organiser: Isobel Bathgate (to be confirmed)

10 Year Reunion (Class of 2013)
Event organiser: Laura Warby (to be confirmed)

20 Year Reunion (Class of 2003)
Saturday 14 October 2023
Event organiser: Georgina Hale (Gapes)

30 Year Reunion (Class of 1993)
Saturday 19 August 2023
Event organiser: Jennie Hughes (Dickson)

40 Year Reunion (Class of 1983)
Friday 3 November
Event organiser: Alison Coulsen

50 Year Reunion (Class of 1973)
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Event organiser: Catherine Muratore (North)

55 Year Reunion (Class of 1968)
Friday 17 November
Event organiser: Dianne (Di) McKenzie-Rabu (Blackford)

60 Year Reunion (Class of 1963)
Thursday 14 September
Event organiser: Christine Yorston (Wise)

2024 Reunions

40 Year Reunion (Class of 1984)

Event organiser: Sarah Beresford

Upcoming Events

Community Events

Thursday 31 August 2023 – RPA Chantry Golf Day

Ravenswood Alumni, family and friends are invited to the Annual RPA Chantry Golf Day at Killara Golf Club on Thursday 31 August. Gather together teams of 4 players or register as an individual.

Find more information and book here

Alumni Events

Tuesday 21 November 2023 - Golden Girls’ Luncheon - CHANGE OF DATE

The annual Golden Girls’ Luncheon will be held on campus for Alumni who left Ravenswood 50 years ago or more. Save the date – more information will be available soon.

Job Opportunities

Sport Coaches

We are seeking enthusiastic, reliable, and knowledgeable Sport coaches for the Ravenswood Netball program in Term 3.

Candidates must have a valid Working With Children Check, First Aid & CPR qualifications.

Please send expressions of interest to Cameron Childs, Ravenswood Director of Sport and Campus Supervision at cchilds@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 9498 9919 for more information.

2024 Ravenswood Alumni Committee

Members

The Committee is currently focusing on a number of initiatives, including financial literacy resources for students, wellbeing support for recent school leavers and career support. If you are interested in assisting or have suggestions, please contact alumni@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au. View Members below:

Lisa Boyce (Clancy, 1990); President
Georgia Vanos (2001); Vice President
Soriah McLean (2013); Treasurer
Vivienne Yang (2020); Secretary
Anne-Katrine Goulston (Sundell, 1990)
Rachel Fife (Newton, 1997)
Sarah Robinson (Newton, 1992)
Melissa Munn (1988)

We acknowledge the Guringai people as the traditional owners of the land on
which Ravenswood School for Girls stands.

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