St Aidan’s in this edition SNEAK PEEK Innovation and Design Hub Annual Foundation Lunch Wrap Up ‘New School Year’ Scholarship Appeal YOUR GIFTS AT WORK • DECEMBER 2015 The ‘New School Year’ Scholarship Appeal This year a kind donation from past parent, Chris Burrell, was matched by the Foundation to create seed funding for the Principal’s Bursary. The Bursary will sit within the school’s scholarship fund, and will provide part-funding for a student to commence at the school who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to. The bursary will be awarded at the discretion of the Principal, Karen Spiller, with additional opportunities for Academic, Music, Sporting and Mathematics scholarships still remaining available through the usual application process. This offer prompted a renewed focus on building the St Aidan’s Scholarship Fund, so that talented and committed students are not excluded from receiving a quality education due to economic circumstances. While students may receive financial relief, it is St Aidan’s that truly benefits by creating a diverse student body that represents the many and varied backgrounds and talents of our wider community. One student who has benefitted from the scholarship fund is current Year 12 student, Nelly Gar. “Being at St Aidan’s has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I feel a part of a large community that is helpful, enthusiastic and feels like a family. The highlight of my time has been the QGSSSA events like Swimming and Athletics as you get to see the school united as one whilst cheering on your representatives. I think the other highlight is leading Cavell house and meeting girls in my house and building a bond. A bursary to attend the school has given me the chance to realise how important my education is; it has given me the opportunity to do things and achieve things I never thought I would. It also gives me a chance to show that African girls can do education; and that they can do it well. I have loved my time at St Aidan’s and now that it’s coming to an end I am sad because I never thought in my lifetime that I would ever get an opportunity like this. An opportunity to be surrounded by teachers who care so much and an opportunity to go to one of the best schools in Queensland. Attending St Aidan’s has made me want to do so much more in this world because of the work I have seen previous Old Girls do. It has made me want to exceed in my studies. Currently, I aspire to study Business at either QUT or Griffith University, to hopefully become an accountant. A scholarship has made this possible.” To support the Principal’s Bursary, or to make a general donation to the St Aidan’s scholarship fund through our ‘New School Year’ Scholarship Appeal, please complete and return the enclosed donation form. Your contribution will help us to support students in 2016, and beyond; carrying forward the vision of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent and “to have each student take part in as many aspects of School life as possible, thus making all students better persons and the School a richer place.”
Transcript
St Aidan’s
in this edition SNEAK PEEK Innovation and Design Hub Annual Foundation Lunch Wrap Up‘New School Year’ Scholarship Appeal
YOUR GIFTS AT WORK • DECEMBER 2015
The ‘New School Year’ Scholarship AppealThis year a kind donation from past parent, Chris Burrell, was matched by the Foundation to create seed funding for the Principal’s Bursary. The Bursary will sit within the school’s scholarship fund, and will provide part-funding for a student to commence at the school who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to.
The bursary will be awarded at the discretion of the Principal, Karen Spiller, with additional opportunities for Academic, Music, Sporting and Mathematics scholarships still remaining available through the usual application process.
This offer prompted a renewed focus on building the St Aidan’s Scholarship Fund, so that talented and committed students are not excluded from receiving a quality education due to economic circumstances. While students may receive financial relief, it is St Aidan’s that truly benefits by creating a diverse student body that represents the many and varied backgrounds and talents of our wider community.
One student who has benefitted from the scholarship fund is current Year 12 student, Nelly Gar.
“Being at St Aidan’s has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I feel a part of a large community that is helpful, enthusiastic and feels like a family.
The highlight of my time has been the QGSSSA events like Swimming and Athletics as you get to see the school united as one whilst cheering on your representatives. I think the other highlight is leading Cavell house and meeting girls in my house and building a bond.
A bursary to attend the school has given me the chance to realise how important my education is; it has given me the opportunity to do things and achieve things I never thought I would. It also gives me a chance to show that African girls can do education; and that they can do it well.
I have loved my time at St Aidan’s and now that it’s coming to an end I am sad because I never thought in my lifetime that I would ever get an opportunity like this. An opportunity to be surrounded by teachers who care so much and an opportunity to go to one of the best schools in Queensland.
Attending St Aidan’s has made me want to do so much more in this world because of the work I have seen previous Old Girls do. It has made me want to exceed in my studies. Currently, I aspire to study Business at either QUT or Griffith University, to hopefully become an accountant. A scholarship has made this possible.”
To support the Principal’s Bursary, or to make a general donation to the St Aidan’s scholarship fund through our ‘New School Year’ Scholarship
Appeal, please complete and return the enclosed donation form.
Your contribution will help us to support students in 2016, and beyond; carrying forward the vision of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent and “to have each student take part in as many aspects of School life as possible, thus making all students better persons and the School a richer place.”
Chairman’s Message
Now it’s time to reflect on the Foundation’s work in 2015, and start planning spending quality time with family and loved ones during the festive season.
While the re-opening of the Science Centre in March officially concluded the two-year long capital campaign, the Foundation continued its focus on securing funds to ensure long-term sustainability. Your donations to the building fund, and those made through event attendance, has meant the Foundation achieved its 2015 financial goals in what has effectively been a non-capital campaign year.
I would like to thank you for making this possible. This consistent financial support has meant general funds were committed to our endowment and scholarship funds; both of which require an equal focus to our building fund if we are to continue delivering quality education.
It is on that note that I ask you consider making a contribution, if you have not already done so, to our scholarship fund via our ‘New School Year’ Appeal. Details on how to show your support are included in this newsletter. Your contribution will help a young girl realise her dream of receiving a St Aidan’s education.
That said, things are never quiet for long on the building front! As you will have noticed, works are almost complete on the school’s Flying Start funded project, involving the construction of a Year 7 classroom with open learning area. This project presented an opportune time for School Council to reassess the existing creative arts precinct, in line with one of their strategic plan focus areas: Enriching Environment.
Our vision is to create an Innovation and Design Hub. The current Le Fanu building no longer meets the standard of teaching space required to ensure best practice in the areas of creative, technology and design studies. Today’s teaching methods require flexible learning spaces that encourage tinkering and collaboration. You may have heard these spaces referred to as ‘Maker Spaces’ – where experimentation, collaboration, prototyping and evaluation encourage students to become design based thinkers.
This exciting campaign will transform the school, and bring it into a league of its own in terms of offering a holistic, cutting-edge education that also caters for adolescent wellness. The Board and I encourage your support of this campaign, and will be communicating how you can be part of this visionary project in due course.
Please enjoy reading the event wrap-up with accompanying pictures. We were extremely proud to have delivered a well-received event with this year’s Foundation Lunch; Kate Miller-Heidke certainly did the school proud with her exceptional performance. I thank all those who attended and for your continued support of this annual event – I also invite any ideas on how we can do even better in 2016!
With best wishes for you and your family this holiday season.
It feels as if it were yesterday we were welcoming the start of the new school year, and celebrating the re-opening of the refurbished Archer and Templeton Science and Technology Centre. Art forecourt
St AidAn’S AnglicAn girlS’ School ConCept Study
Art plAzA
St AidAn’S AnglicAn girlS’ School ConCept Study
entry experience
St AidAn’S AnglicAn girlS’ School ConCept Study
Art forecourt
St AidAn’S AnglicAn girlS’ School ConCept Study
Capital Campaign Commences 2016
Sneak Peek
Donations received by the St Aidan’s Foundation 2015
Building Fund Science Appeal Donations Building Fund with Fees Donations Scholarship Fund Donations
$122,980 86.4%
Contribution to School’s Buildings & Infrastructure Improvements
Contribution to St Aidan’s Scholarships Contribution to Science Centre Project
Donations made by the Foundation to St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School 2015
$12,550 8.8%
$6,750 4.7%
$50,000 17.08%
$125,000 42.70%
$117,717 40.22%
Don ChandlerChairman
Events
2015 Annual Foundation Lunch
This year’s annual Foundation Lunch was held at the Triffid on Friday 21 August. We were fortunate to secure the date in the hectic diary of Old Girl, Kate Miller-Heidke (1998), who generously offered to perform a 30-minute set for her old school.
The music venue was fitting for Kate’s mesmerising vocals and captivating performance style, which enchanted the 180 strong audience. Attendance has doubled since the lunch’s inaugural 2013 appearance, and we thank everyone for supporting this signature annual event through attendance, and raffle and auction prize donations.
We also wish to thank our major sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible: Platinum Sponsors Wallace Bishop, Mt Gravatt Volkswagen and Indooroopilly Jeep; Gold Sponsor Ray White Sherwood; Silver Sponsor Hutchinson Builders and Bronze Sponsors, War Planes and itravel.
Fathers’ Day Breakfast
Old Girl Pippa Sheehan (2005) delivered an engaging presentation at the Fathers’ Day Breakfast, held on Friday 4 September. There were over 160 guests in attendance, including Pippa’s parents, who listened as she shared stories of her formative childhood years, her time at St Aidan’s and experiences as a young journalist carving her way in the media world.
A Gift for the FutureFor some people the ability to give generously to the charity or non-profit of their choice may not be feasible during their life, with raising a family and living costs being top of mind. In these instances, supporters may consider leaving a gift in their will, after also considering the long-term needs of their family and loved ones.
Donors can feel a gift of this type is a way to leave a lasting legacy; some wish to thank an institution for services received; others give from a place of gratitude for a fortunate life; while some have stated they believe “it was the right thing to do”. No matter the motive, there is no question these additional gifts play a crucial role in the future sustainability of Australia’s
non-profit sector; providing institutions with the much-needed funds required to continue the delivery of services, and plan for future growth – particularly in the face of shrinking government funding.
Contrary to popular belief, Gifts in Wills are not just for the wealthy. Gifts can be any size, a set sum, a donated asset, or a residual bequest. St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School has just released a new brochure detailing how you can support the future of girls’ education by considering such a gesture, because every gift truly does help. To receive your copy, please contact Gordana Pilgrim on 3373 5929.
Educated girls
A gift in your will can help them
change the world
Foundation Bequest Brochure 2015 FINAL.indd 1 10/11/2015 11:41:30 AM
Old Girl Spotlight - Mardi WilsonIt was the day for two Old Girls to shine. Not only did the 2015 St Aidan’s Foundation Lunch showcase the experienced talents of Kate Miller-Heidke (1998), it also provided a public platform for twenty year old newcomer, Mardi Wilson (2012).
The budding singer-songwriter entertained the 180 strong crowd as they made their way into the event venue for the day, the Triffid. Her melodic voice, original lyrics and professional acoustic-set delivery not only belied her young years, but also led to praise being received from staff at the much-respected live-music venue, with talk of booking Mardi for future performances and corporate gigs.
But just where did this passion for music come from?
“I can’t exactly pin point a moment when I realised that I loved music, I think I just always have. I always loved poetry and lyrics and the way that they could tell such an amazing story or convey emotions. I found that I loved writing poetry and lyrics myself which inspired me to sing and learn to play instruments like the drums
and the guitar.”
Today Mardi is attempting to balance fulltime study at the Griffith College of Art with her love of music, fitting in as many as gigs as possible in an effort to get herself known. It’s a journey that has proven to be a career highlight in itself: “although technically playing music is work for me, it is what I enjoy more than anything, so I feel extremely lucky to call it my job.”
As with most songwriters ‘writer’s block’ has been known to pay the occasional visit, but it hasn’t prevented Mardi from producing 16 songs, a CD and pursuing her current goal of recording an EP featuring only original works. Determination is the key, a personality trait Mardi believes is necessary to succeed in the music industry; a message she wishes to share with all St Aidan’s girls.
“They say that practice makes perfect and it’s true, you can improve yourself if you have the drive and motivation. If you don’t get that role in the musical that you wanted, don’t be discouraged! I didn’t get a role in the musical in year 7 because to be honest, I really wasn’t great
at singing at the time. Although I was upset, I didn’t stop singing; I kept at it for my own enjoyment and through doing this I gradually improved. In order to succeed I believe that you have to turn things that may seem like negatives, into positives; don’t let setbacks or rejection get the better of you, let them inspire you to become better.”
Foundation Board Director ProfilesAs part of our ongoing commitment to respond to feedback received from our first, biennial donor survey conducted in 2014, we will be featuring Foundation Board Director Profiles in each edition of the Foundation Newsletter. We hope this introduction will help acquaint supporters with our Foundation Board Members, and also shed some light on what their hopes are for the future of our School.
Anna Goffage, Director Anna Goffage was appointed to the Board in 2012, and has a daughter, Georgia, currently in Year 10. With a wealth of experience in event and functions management, Anna has played a large role in developing some of the Foundation’s signature events; with the now established annual tradition of the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day events being personal highlights.
As a parent Anna brings current insight to decision making that impacts the foundation’s future direction, and joined the board in order to contribute to the strong St Aidan’s community – an important part of what she believes makes the school so special. Having seen her daughter experience and enjoy the many advantages made possible by the generosity of past parents, Anna is motivated to continue that tradition for future generations of St Aidan’s families.
“My hope for the future of St Aidan’s is that we will continue to provide excellence in girls’ education in a caring and friendly environment, and to ensure the Foundation plays a huge part in fostering that environment.”
Jason Evans, Director Jason Evan’s ties with the school are many. His daughter Emily (Year 9) has been at the school since Kindergarten, and he is married to Sue Evans (1986), who is both an Old Girl and a former Junior School Teacher at St Aidan’s. Even young son Will attended the school in 2013 (he is now at BBC).
Currently a Partner at Pitcher Partners, Jason has over 25 years industry experience in providing accountancy and business advisory services, and has several of Queensland’s largest non-profit organisations as clients. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and holds various Director/Advisory Board positions.
At the invitation of Ms Spiller and Mr Don Chandler, Jason joined the Foundation Board in 2013, seeing it as an opportunity to join a board comprised of “talented and committed people”, and to give back to St Aidan’s for all the school has provided to him and his family over the years. Since commencing, Jason has been involved with fine tuning the investment strategy, the monthly and annual financial reporting process and has assisted with the restructuring of the Foundation. He was also proud to be part of a team that delivered a successful Campaign for the Sciences.
“My goal is to ensure the continued growth of our Perpetuity Fund, and the modernisation, refurbishment and extension of the school’s infrastructure. I also wish to focus on supporting the school’s bursary programs and long-term funding campaigns, including tax effective charitable trusts.”
The Foundation acknowledges the generosity of our donors, and has six levels of recognition for the following donor amounts:
Patron: $100,000 & over Senior Benefactor: $50,000 & over Benefactor: $25,000 & over Senior Donor: $10,000 & over Donor: $5,000 & over Associate: $2,000 & over
Foundation Honour Board
Patron
Sir Robert and Lady Mathers St Aidan’s P and F Association Steven and Julie Bridges Kiyoshiro and Nobuko Yano Ron Archer AM The Moses Family The Bayly Family Jennifer Brice and Family
Senior Benefactor
The Morphet Family Rebecca Pullar Ray Robinson
Benefactor
Matthew Hill-Smith & Family The Brett Family Bruce and Glenys Barclay The Levison Family Mrs E A & Mr H C Griffin Suchira & Bapi Nag The Haines Family Chris and Genevieve Greig The Whelan Family St Aidan’s Old Girls Association
Senior Donor
Betty Davies (Park) Joan Casey (Park) Jan and Patrick Dixon John and Melissa Bullwinkel Tim and Jennifer Rylance Neil and Tania Sherington Helen, Bede and Prue King Geoff and Clemmie Bishop R W Axon The Spencer Family Ross and Jo Fraser David and Jenny Wood Judith Smith nee Rigby David and Julie Henderson Rod and Susan Elliott The Burrell Family The Clouston Family Kate, Meg, Sophie & Libby Jacques Mark & Katie Wilson
Jason, Jane, Charlie & Harriet Watson The Moller Family The Trainor Family The Preston Family
Donor
Stephen and Deborah Green Alison, Andrew, Nicolai and Madeline Morris The Gibson Family The Steffensen Family Mr G and Mrs L Jones Rod and Nina Gill H T and E V Lee Robin and Margaret White Margaret and Peter Jolly The Tidmarsh Family R G and A J Brown Mr & Mrs Murphy S and H Knyn Steven and Donna Leigh Mr K & Mrs L Morris Scott, Pauline, Hannah and Pia Lucas The Daglish Family John & Karen Spiller James & Jackie Knowlman The Woodhouse Family The Richmond Family T & M Phelps Dr and Mrs P Millroy Mark & Penny Krause David & Kathleen O’Brien G H & S Brodie The Greene Family Mark and Kirsten Elliott Helen & Peter Thomas The Pinkerton Family The Fairweather Family The Shelburn Family The Bankowski Family Jean Humphries The Cottell Family The Markwell Family Jessica & Emily Sale Scott and Adele Todd The Kendall Family The Hodge Family Karen and Frank Hills Alison and Don Chandler Leinani Wright Alison & James Kilkenny
The Hay Family The Milton Family Grace and Amelia Anderson The Whittle Family
Associate
Tsai-Jung Pan Meredith and Alexis Hartigan The Crowe Family Nick and Anna Stevens Courtney Morley-Drabble and Family The Brabazon Family The See Family R J and T Walters The O’Hair Family The Fox Family The Katahanas Family Monique and Garry Connelly The Hallam Family Stephanie and Emilie Derrington Greg Harding and Gillian Brown Fraser and Sue Gibson S and M Kordatou Anne and Owen Edwards Nick and Alex Daunt Ron and Julie Della Piana June Merritt Malcolm and Margaret Davison Martin and Susan Leonard John and Jennifer McLaughlin D and T Knight David and Sue Russell Mark Beauchamp Peacock C J and C H Evans The Heikkinen Family John, Kelyn and Julia Flynn Don and Annatjie Hunter C and M Bassili Kevin and Karen Dixon and Family The Holmes Family The Downes Family Kate and Tony Charters Heather Bishop Sam and Beccie Neville Andrew and Amanda Molloy Katrina and Tony Carr Drew and Amanda Armstrong The Saxby Family John and Gillian Aston J W and D L Pollard D and S Burrough
We also acknowledge donors who wish to remain anonymous.
confidence and success
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School FoundationGordana Pilgrim | Director of Development and CommunityPO Box 46, Corinda Qld 4075AUSTRALIA
Raymond Lee Ian and Diane Stanislao Costa Economou Brett and Jenny Mooney Jannene and Robert Rathie Eric Ford K and M Howe The Baumann Family Sue and Mike Veitch Leanne Huggett Phil and Verena Preston The Macdonald Family Darren and Katarina Norris Noel and Margie Gordon The Cockerall Family G and R Schultz G and M Cannell Jad and Kristine Vinko Ian and Jennifer Munro The Lacaze Family Craig and Marion O’Donnell D’d & Col Morrow The McComb Family The Irvine Family The Matters Family The Shaw Family Tony & Sharon Weir/Bronte Duncalf Brad & Kathy Nowland Barry & Judy Jackson The Geldard Family The Jarratt Family Stewart & Trudy McConchie Brenda & David Gooding Brian & Elizabeth Hill Dr A & Mrs L Hogan The Mengel Family Drew and Susan Armstrong Emily, Liz, Mark & Harrison Plath The Demnar Family The Fernandez Family The McCluskey Family The Crawford Family Cara Jane McKelvie K Bridges & C Goodfellow-Bridges Peter & Barbara McDermott The Farmer Family Jacqueline Vuong Family The Nothdurft Family
The Carnie Family David & Marianne Andrews The Alexander Family Chris & Pamela Sandford The Welsh Family The Prince Family Brett and Fiona Provan The Purdy Family The Downes Family Arabella Haseler Ian & Sandra Kjellgren Bennison Family Peter & Deborah McMillan Sudath & Natalia Wijeratne Tracy-Jayne Webb Annita and Brendan Nugent The James Family The Murray-Douglass Family Kevin & Kim Jaffar The Pattison Family Kate Suttie The Archos Family John & Karen Wilson The Saggers Family Graeme, Debra, Lara, Madisen Gill Rotary Club of Jindalee The Stoermer Family Victoria, Cedric & Mary Holland Karen & David Lewis Jeremy and Lisa Ferrier The Skillington Family Siobhan, Helena & Georgina Sawyer The James-Jenks Family The Voigt Family The Plowman Family The Emmerson Family The Peachey Family Tony & Lynn Rees Christina Orange The Wheatley Family Barry and Martha Walker The Winn Family The Carseldine Family The Demichelis Family The Wickes Family Asha Underhill The Bazeley Family Grace Burgess-Limerick Elissa Stewart & Family Gary, Janine and Rachel McDonell
The Brant Family Bruce and Helen Wilson The Murdoch Family Ros Curtis Geoff and Helen Gargett The Mohr Family The Mullis Family The Williams Family Fred and Gail Nicolosi and Jade Crothers The McBurnie Family Seniors 2013 The Mathiesen Family Abi and Ali Langford Greg and Janet Killoran Karen and Brett Mills The Beckinsale Family Hilary Blackband (Alroe) John and Vanessa Brennan Coralee Jeffrey and Gary Fulcher Bethany and Kate Johannsen Matt, Maree and Ashlee Johnson The Magnusson Family The McGarrigle Family The Newsome Family The Plumridge Family The Rodgers Family Dr & Mrs Greg and Natalie Scalia The Teng Family The Tut Family Brad and Louise Usasz The Goffage Family Gunnarsson Huang Family Prue Hartley The Carthew & De Looze Family The Harris Family Kim and Georgia Bishop The Gale Family Scott and Sally Harris, and Family Ben and Laura Wessling-Smith The Ho Family The Cory Family Craig and Steph Mitchell The Vuong Family The Trotman Family The Vidler Family The Roobottom Family Kevin and Helen Dart The Woolley Family The Morrison Family
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
I wish to make a general donation of
$50 $100 $500 Other:
I wish to pledge $ (total) to be made over 5 years at an amount of $ per year.
I WISH THE ABOVE DONATION TO GO TO THE:
General Scholarship Fund Principal’s Bursary
All donations over $2 are tax deductible PAYMENT OPTIONS:
A cheque made payable to the St Aidan’s Foundation is enclosed.
Please charge $ to my credit card
Mastercard Visa Amex
Cardholder’s name:
Card Number:
Expiry Date:
Cardholder’s signature:
I wish for my donation to remain anonymous
Please contact me to discuss other ways of supporting:
Building Fund Regular Giving Bequests
OR call +617 3373 5929 or email [email protected] to discuss your options.
Thank you for supporting girls’ education.
Karen Spiller, Principal
Yes I would like to support the St Aidan’s ‘New School Year’ Scholarship Appeal
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School foundationGordana Pilgrim
Director of Development and CommunityPO Box 46 Corinda QLD 4075
