In this issue

Newsletter Article: Term 2, Week 2 2024

Welcome back to Term 2

It is my pleasure to welcome you back to Term 2. I trust that the Easter break was fruitful and that you are ready to work together in partnership to build on the goals and vision of our Founder to progress our core purpose expressed in our recently launched 2024-2027 Strategic Plan to “Shape the girls who will shape the world”.

 Preparing our students for the future

Over the break I was delighted to attend the Australian Heads of Independent School (AHISA) National Conference on leading, learning and caring.

A key theme that resonated across the keynotes from Global leaders and workshops from educational experts focused on the complex world that we are preparing our young people to navigate.

I was really proud to work alongside our Principal – Mr Daniel Crump to represent Stuartholme and present a session on the progressive work we are doing at our school to support our students to have agency over their own learning and equip them with the attributes and employability skills required to shape the complex future which awaits them.

We shared simple measures we are taking including:

• “The Hive”: targeting senior students two days per week, providing additional mentoring. Designed to build students’ capacity to become agents driving their own learning, “The Hive” engages alumnae from diverse backgrounds to provide mentoring in learning practices, subject-specific assistance, and wellbeing. It provides students with flexible, learner-centred mentoring and support.
• “Specialist Learning Hubs”: offering flexible and targeted academic support for seniors. Stuartholme worked with staff to embed targeted academic support through subject-specific study with expert teachers. Stuartholme had scheduled study sessions in place already and redesigned these to enable students to opt in to targeted study in flexible ways. Staff now register their ‘specialist area’ and availability, providing students with Specialist Learning Hubs, enabling greater agency empowers students to explore careers-based learning in a targeted manner.
• “The SPARK Program”: providing opportunities for students through four programs using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics for high-potential learners. These opportunities are cultivated beyond mainstream classes to build character, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Stuartholme plans to expand these trials to implement our new strategic plan as we move forward.

In all our work, we continue to be guided by the principles of our Founder, St Madeline Sophie Barat, and also remain responsive to society’s evolving needs.

I wish you all the best for the term ahead and look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker
Deputy Principal

Newsletter Article: Term 2, Week 2 2024

We began Term 2 with assembly and reflected on the importance of new life in this Easter season.  Each of us brings a sense of brokenness to our lives and it is the only way to truly engage with others authentically.  Jesus’ journey through Easter and beyond, continues to guide us, as a community of brokenness, towards a resurrection of healing.

This week we commemorated a moving ANZAC Day in the spirit of the Sacred Heart and took time to remember all of those who have fallen to afford us the opportunity to have freedom as a united community of Australians.

Year 12 student and cadet Lucy Collins shared her insights into what ANZAC Day means to her and beautifully connected the Sacred Heart tradition to the ANZAC spirit linked to the story of Stuartholme.  Principal, Danny Crump led the students in “Laying of the Wreaths” with the Cor Unum leaders and then the boarding captains placed a wreath on behalf of the boarding community.  Thursday morning, boarding students, along with Mr Crump, attended the ANZAC commemoration.

It’s been a wonderful start to the term with our staff and students, as we reconnect and reflect on the Easter season and the sacrifice of our service women and men on ANZAC day.

Andrew Beiers

Dean of Mission

Newsletter Article: Term 2, Week 2 2024

Preparing for success in Term 2

It is wonderful to see students excited to return to classrooms, fresh from the Easter break.  As they say, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet” so students are encouraged to give themselves every opportunity for success in Term 2 by preparing well and preparing early. Most students, especially those in younger year levels, will begin experiencing an increase in summative assessment to challenge them further in Term 2.  Dates and details for these tasks are provided to students in class and can be accessed by students and parents via the personalised online assessment calendar in myStuartholme.  Term 2 assessment dates are available to view via myStuartholme now.  For students in Years 9, 10, 11 & 12, Exam Block schedules will be released two weeks before the commencement of exams as per our assessment policy guidelines.

Developing academic strategies

Students are supported to develop their academic strategies throughout the term by participating in activities throughout the Wise Wellness program.  These are designed to equip them with new tools to manage their homework and study and to help them navigate their assessment. Students also have the opportunity to participate in The Hive Alunni Mentoring program.  Hive sessions are held in the Library from 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays across Weeks 2 to 8 inclusive this term.  All students are welcome to attend to connect with our past students and access support with developing academic strategies, career insights, and subject-specific advice.

Feedback on student progress

We have a strong partnership approach to teaching and learning where students, parents and teachers work together in support of educational outcomes.  An important part of this process is the Parent Student Teacher Conferences (PSTCs) that occur each semester with the first round being held this week.  The PSTCs were a great opportunity for students, parents and teachers to connect to discuss progress, feedback and aspirations to work towards.  At Stuartholme, we also provide formal reports twice a year as well as continuous feedback on student learning via myStuartholme.  Feedback and results for summative assessment are first provided to students in class and are then made available for students and parents to access via myStuartholme.

Teaching and Learning highlights

We know that our passionate and dedicated teachers do incredible work here at Stuartholme and many of them also contribute their expertise well beyond our gates for the benefit of the greater education community.  Several of our senior teachers will spend this coming weekend working as QCAA Confirmers.  This important work is not only crucial for Year 12 results, it also means that we benefit from a team of experts who are up-to-date in the nuances of the senior system.  On behalf of our community, I acknowledge the great work of these professionals and thank them for going above and beyond.

All the best for a successful and confident Term 2.

Annie Van Homrigh

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation 

Newsletter Article: Term 2, Week 2 2024

Welcome to Term 2

The Cor Unum Committee warmly welcomed the community back for Term 2 during our first assembly, setting the stage for the exciting events and opportunities ahead. Among these are the upcoming Cross Country, Madeleine Sophie Day celebrations, Pony Tail Project, and the Interschool Athletics Carnival, each contributing to our overarching goal of nurturing a strong sense of community.

Year 12 Formal

Friday night marked a memorable occasion as we gathered at The Greek Club to celebrate the Year 12 formal. It was an evening of elegance and significance, honouring this pivotal milestone in the journey of our Year 12 students. Their exemplary conduct and gratitude towards those who orchestrated the event were commendable. Watching them enjoy each other’s company, adorned in their finery, was truly delightful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Louise Meehan (Year 12 LoSW) for her outstanding efforts in organizing the evening, supported by the Events Committee, Millie Davis, and Kora Williams. Special appreciation also goes to Mrs. Ainsley Fahy for her invaluable administrative support.

Wise Wellness Program

Our Leaders of Student Wellbeing are committed to delivering another enriching term of Wise Wellness lessons, based in Positive Psychology, for your daughters. We are dedicated to providing an education that has the power to transform lives.

This term, our Leaders of Student Wellbeing have arranged a variety of engaging experiences.

Year 5 are engaging in the “U are Strong” program teaching them explicitly about friendships.  This term focuses on Friendship Fires, normal conflict that occurs with each friendship. Students are provided with strategies and role play situations where they may need to discuss an issue or conflict with a friend. Year 5 are also involved in meditation as part of wellness and being grateful for what we have in our lives through the completion of a gratitude journal.

In Wise Wellness, Year 7 – 12 a range of sessions facilitated by external experts have been planned. Already, the following presentations have taken place:

• Year 5: A workshop by Let’s Chat focusing an Introduction to Changing Bodies, the physical and emotional changes that occur as we grow through puberty.
• Year 7: A workshop by Bec from Lemonade Kids on navigating friendships
• Year 10: An informative talk by the Pelvic Pain Education Foundation on women’s health related to menstruation.
• Year 11: A session on Sexual Health by Joseph Debattista from Queensland Health
• Year 12: Banyans Health Group presented on “Flourishing, not Floundering” and “Relinquish and Replenish

Year 8 are looking forward to their Activity Day on May 10 led by Character Builders, geared towards building resilience and an awareness of their own character strengths. Year 9 will benefit from a presentation by Batyr on May 27, an organisation who specialise in encouraging young people to lead mentally healthy and fulfilling lives.

Parent Resources and Support

As we embark on a new term, it’s timely to reflect on the importance of effective routines. Our counsellors have provided a helpful resource on managing teenage routines to mitigate lateness, which you may find useful: How to manage teenage routines to mitigate lateness

Additionally, the Australian Government’s eSafety Commission has shared valuable guidance to help families support children who may be distressed by media news. Please refer to the following link for more information: eSafety-distressing news-Support for Australian families

Positive Expectations – Uniform

As we enjoy the cooler weather, please note the school blazer becomes compulsory for Year 7 – 12 when travelling to and from school from Tuesday May 7.

I wish you and your family blessings for the weeks ahead.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing  

“We didn’t learn how to do that!”

Often when students complete Maths exams, some can be disheartened when they are confronted with questions that don’t appear to corelate with what was taught in the classroom.  As we approach our first Assessments for Reporting (AFR) in Years 7, 8 and 10 Maths as well as Year 11 Essential, General and Specialist Maths, it is timely to be reminded of the way the questions are structured in Maths exams.

Examinations are developed in the ratio of 60% Simple Familiar questions, 20% Complex Familiar questions and 20% Complex Unfamiliar Questions.  Familiar questions have been the focus of prior learning and the process to answer the question is obvious.  Simple questions are straight forward, utilising one or two techniques to determine an answer, where complex questions tend to be multi-stepped.  In complex unfamiliar questions, the procedure to apply isn’t immediately identifiable.  QCAA states that these questions can have connections across domains of mathematics and the information required to solve the problem is not clear and in a context where students have had limited prior experience.

While we often look at these questions as a challenge, it can be beneficial to rather treat them as an opportunity to enhance the problem-solving skills our students will require post schooling.  How often are we confronted with a problem either at home or in the workplace for which we are not prepared?

The way to improve in our ability to complete these questions, or any maths concept, under exam conditions is to practise.  These questions are given to students to complete in the classroom, used as explicit teaching/learning opportunities where the process and strategies to apply are modelled, as well as being included in our Assessments for Learning (AFLs) so that students have the opportunity to experience the thinking that is required under time constraints that mimic exam conditions.

I wish all students well in their preparations for their upcoming Maths assessments.

Kate Sargent

Leader of Learning – Maths

Stuartholme is excited and to once again participate in the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project. This is the fourth year Stuartholme has participated in the Ponytail Project, inspired by the pioneering hair cutting and determined efforts of Lily Thomson (2019) and Lucy Baker (2020). Over the last few years our Stuartholme Seniors team has fundraised over to $210, 000, and with 2024 rock the chop event looming, we hope to exceed our goal whilst also donating precious locks to Sustainable Salons.  For those who to wish to support our cohort’s efforts a donation can be made to the team via this link, or you can find student’s fundraising profiles on this page and donate to individuals.

As 1 in 2 Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, this is a cause many of our students are passionate about. In the lead-up to our Ponytail Project event, we have asked participating Yr 12 students to share their reasons why they are rocking the chop.

2024 Ponytail Project held on Thursday 9 May 3.15pm onwards

Sophia Lyons

I decided to rock the chop and donate 40 cm of hair for the Ponytail project for so many reasons. Of course, cancer is known for the devastating effects it has on both patients battling the disease, and the loved ones that support them, so I see being able to support these people through fundraising and donating hair for wigs as a meaningful way I can give back to the community. In my own life I have loved and lost multiple family members from cancer, so I have first hand experienced the grief that it causes. In my own way, rocking the chop is also a way I can honour their memory and the challenges they faced.

Mia Woodhouse

I’ve decided to rock the chop in May in support of all the people in my life who have been, and still are affected by cancer. I’m driven by fact that just my ponytail, which I often take for granted having throwing it in a bun everyday, can make the world of a difference to someone suffering. I think the biggest thing that has pushed me to rock the chop and raise so much money this year is the way the girls in the years before me have done so with such pride. I’m so excited to be part of something so big, and hopefully make just one girl next year feel a little bit more willing to do the same. #rockthechop 

Interhouse Cross Country Carnival – Wednesday 1 May 

The Interhouse Cross Country Carnival has been rescheduled to Wednesday 1 May (Week 3A). Due to this, there will be road closures on campus, as listed below.

Both school entrances, Birdwood Terrace and Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, will be closed from 8:25am to 11:15am.

Any students arriving late MUST be dropped off at the Stuartholme Road Brisbane City Council Bus Stop and cross safely across the road to walk up via the stairs at the tennis courts.

For the safety of our students, there will be traffic controls at this location until 8:45am.

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Andrew Beiers at abeiers@stuartholme.com.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

CaSSSA Sport Recap

Term 1 witnessed the exciting kickoff of our sports action right from Week 1. Our CaSSSA Sports were in full swing with Tennis, Volleyball, Indoor Cricket, and the Rugby 7’s program, keeping our students engaged with training sessions throughout the week and competitive games on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings for the tennis teams.

Congratulations are in order for our Premiers: Senior AFL Stu 1, Junior C Tennis, and Primary Years Tennis. Additionally, we commend our Runners Up: Senior A Cricket, Senior B Tennis, and Inters A Tennis.

Our Year 5 students had the opportunity to proudly wear the red and yellow for the first time, with our Year 5 tennis teams participating in CaSSSA and the Touch Football Gala Day.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all students who participated in Term 1 CaSSSA Sports, as well as to the coaches, referees, and supporters for contributing to the success and enjoyment of these competitions. We eagerly anticipate the commencement of the Junior Volleyball and Touch Football competitions this term.

The annual Stuartholme Mothers’ Day lunch is almost here!

Ticket sales close today, Friday, April 26th. The lunch is on Friday May 10^th starting at 11am. To purchase your ticket, please click here. 

Ticket sales close this Friday, April 26th. The lunch is on Friday May 10^th starting at 11am.

All donations and raffle prizes need to be delivered to the school by Friday May 3rd. Champagne or any similar donations are always welcome!!

There are two working bees coming up to assist with the preparation for the Mother’s Day Lunch:

• The first is on Monday 29th April (next Monday) at 8am in the boardroom at school. This involves wrapping up some chocolates and a few other raffle prizes etc.  If you can make it – we’d love to see you.
• The second is on Tuesday 7 May at 8.30am at Fiona’s home.  If you are able to attend, please contact Fiona on 0412 500 231 for her address.  This will involve wrapping all the raffle prizes.

To RSVP, please visit Alumnae Mass and Morning Tea (Inc AGM) – Stuartholme School Alumnae (stuartholmealumnae.com)

Dear Year 8 Parents, Guardians and Students

As Term 1 comes to an end, the Stuartholme Arts Department would like to look ahead to Term 2 and share a ‘Save The Date’ with you all!

The Arts Department warmly invites you to our Year 8 Arts Extravaganza evening on Friday 7th June from 5:30pm for a 6pm start

Arts Extravaganza is a wonderful opportunity for all Stuartholme Year 8 students to share their achievements in Drama, Visual Art and Music with the community.  During the evening, we aim to open up our Arts classrooms to you all and share with you our students’ creative work. Students will be performing and exhibiting their class work and assessment from Semester One.

This year we are very excited to premiere our production of ‘She Doesn’t Go Here‘ a brand-new play written by award winning playwright, Steve Pirie. 

The evening will include:

•            A production of She Doesn’t Go Here performed by Drama students with features from Music and Visual Art students 

•            Music students performing collaborative work focused on popular music

•            Visual Art Exhibition 

Drinks and light snacks will be available to purchase from the café from 5:30pm   

More details of the event will come in Term 2!

We look forward to you joining us for an evening of sharing and celebrating the achievements of our Year 8 Arts’ students.

Please feel free to contact Lucy Harkin (Leader of Learning – The Arts) or your child’s teacher classroom Arts teacher if you have any questions or queries.

Can you spare a couple of hours to inspire our students on 15 May?

In Week 5 of this term, during National Careers Week, we will be running our annual Ask a Professional event. This event was students’ standout favourite careers sessions again last year, so we’re excited to do it again.

There will be complimentary coffees to keep you fuelled for the session and the opportunity to stay back for a complimentary lunch to a catch up with other parents, carers, alumnae and industry guests.

If you are interested in attending, please register your interest (and coffee order) here and I’ll be in touch soon: https://forms.office.com/r/7FXNhLKzt1

Thank you for considering this. We are incredibly grateful your ongoing support, time and wisdom.

Warm regards,

Tom Lillyman, Careers Counsellor

 EXTENSION activities for Years 7 to 12 in a variety of areas of science, engineering etc

NOTE the following are some optional extension activities and competitions that students may be interested in applying for.  Students are responsible for completion of applications and all costs.  NOTE Ms Guthrie can assist with applications, if required.  Several close soon so don’t miss out.    More may come so watch newsletter and emails from Ms Guthrie.

School holiday UQ engineering tours (9^th and 11^th April 2024)  Years 10 – 12

School Holiday Engineering Tours – Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

SPARQ-Ed  View link :   Biomedical Education for School students | Translational Research Institute (tri.edu.au)      NOTE there are programs for Senior (10 – 12) and Junior (8 – 9)

There are senior research immersion programs (Years 10 – 12)  and Junior Research Engagement programs (Years 8 and 9 ) available.  See link for further details.

UQ Big Day In – engineering  28 May 2024  Years 9 – 12   Tickets (student) $10

BiG Day In Brisbane – Tuesday 28 May 2024 | Book Your Tickets Below (eventsmart.com)

WE explore engineering at UQ     1^st May 2024 – register ASAP

Explore Engineering Day – Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

WE work experience Holiday Camps Years 10 – 12   

Held July and September:

WE Work Experience – Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

QIMR (Queensland institute of medical research)

Holiday Science experience For Year 10 – 12

Free to attend.  Register soon.   To apply Holiday Science Experience – QIMR Berghofer

Dates available are:

• Thursday 19 September, 2024
• Friday 20 September, 2024
• Wednesday 11 December, 2024
• Thursday 12 December, 2024

You will learn a range of skills including:

• Pipetting and serial dilutions
• DNA extraction and PCR
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• Vortexing and centrifugation
• Microscopy
• Blood smears

WE work experience  Years 10 – 12

WE Work Experience – Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Work Experience at the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum high school work experience program offers you the chance to explore a variety of careers including science and cultural research, education, public programming, curatorial and exhibition design, marketing, communications and corporate services. The program is available to students in Years 10 – 12. Applications open now, closing Friday 3 May 2024.

Work_experience_2024__Information_pack.8915c44.pdf (australian.museum)

Queensland Biology Winter School (Year 12)

24 – 25 June 2024

The UQ Year 12 Queensland Biology Winter School (12QBWS) will provide a deep dive into contemporary topics in genetics, phylogenetics, evolutionary biology and biochemistry and how biological disciplines are interconnected. Applications are open now and close on Friday 3 May 2024.

Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 12 – Study – The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Queensland Biology Winter School (Year 11)

1 – 2 July 2024

The UQ Year 11 Queensland Biology Winter School (11QBWS) will provide a deep dive into contemporary topics in biodiversity, cell, animal and plant physiology, biophysics, and how these biological disciplines are interconnected. Applications are open now and close on Friday 3 May 2024.

Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 11 – Study – The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Experience UQ Skills  Years 9 – 12

July 2024, expressions of interest are now open

Discover what it’s like to study a vocational certificate or diploma with UQ Skills. Experience UQ Skills is a full day of hands-on, interactive workshops at UQ Gatton for Year 9-12 students considering vocational study in agriculture, allied health, animal studies, and entrepreneurship.(including VETiS, certificates, diplomas and traineeships). RTO: #1511.

 Experience UQ Skills – UQ Skills – University of Queensland

UQ   Junior Physics Odyssey  Apply  Junior Physics Odyssey – School of Mathematics and Physics – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)   Held in July . Open to Year 10.  Cost $220.

Closes soon

Inspire UStem Camp students years 9 – 10 held in September

InspireU STEM Camp – Study – The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

The science experience for Year 9 and 10.  Held at UQ or QUT

View and apply at:

The Science Experience

Each program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work.

The program takes place in over thirty universities and tertiary institutions, within many different laboratories and lecture theatres. Participants perform experiments in the laboratories, meet and hear senior lecturers in the lecture theatres, attend site visits and walk around and experience what it is like to be on the campus of a university or tertiary institution. More than 85,000 students have taken this rare opportunity, up to date.

The program also provides information about further studies in science, technology and engineering. It highlights the wide range of careers that allow students to pursue their interest and abilities in the sciences.

Forensic Camp at Armidale for year 8 and 9  students

Forensic Science Camp – The Armidale School (as.edu.au)

Brilliant Science Poetry Competition  (open to all year levels)

Closes 21 June 2024

You’re invited to harness the beauty of language to convey the marvels of science — from mysteries of the natural world to ground breaking advancements in technology to the elegance of mathematics in this unique poetry competition. As well as having your work recognised internationally, there are some great prizes on offer, including £1000 for the winner.

Brilliant Poetry (thebrilliantpoetry.com)

Australian Space Design Competition

Closes 30 June 2024

The Australian Space Design Competition (ASDC) is designed for secondary school students with a passion for space or considering a future in STEM.Teams of grade 8 – 12 students respond to an engineering Request For Tender and design a space settlement, planning structural engineering, operations and infrastructure, personnel, automation, and business development.

ASDC | Space Design Competitions Australia (ausspacedesign.org.au)

Junior Stockholm Junior water prize

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2024 (awa.asn.au)

The Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an annual water science competition for high school students. Students are challenged to create solutions for water challenges – with the national prize awarded at Ozwater.

The winner of the Australian competition is invited to participate in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize.
The prestigious international award is awarded each World Water Week in Sweden.

Queensland Science teachers competition – open to all grades Queensland Science Contest – STAQ

CREST awards – for all year levels Creativity in Research, Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) – CSIRO

THE HIVE – ALL WELCOME

New Supporters Polos Available

New supporters polo shirts available in the School Shop or via Flexischools online.

Cost $60

Labelling Service Available

The School Shop offers day and boarding students a labelling service. A minimum of 10 garments are to be placed into a bag with relevant paper work obtained through the school shop. The items are then sent to the laundry to be named. The laundry will return the labelled items back to the school shop for payment. Labelling will be done usually on a Wednesday with items returned to the school shop the following Friday.

You can purchase these along with the other products available at our School Shop through Flexischools: https://flexischools.com.au/

If you need a new unform and it to be professionally fitted, book an appointment here: SHS School Shop (office365.com)

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Students,

Stuartholme School’s Celebration of Excellence serves as a pivotal moment for us to recognise and honour educational excellence that define Stuartholme. It is an occasion where we come together to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, staff, and community members.

We write to inform you of an important update regarding the Celebration of Excellence event. After consultation with QPAC the date has had to be rescheduled to Wednesday, 16 October.

More information around the event will be shared closer to the time.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Daniel Crump

We all know that Stuartholme is an amazing foundation for girls who shape the world, evident through the many Alumnae who have passed through the halls we walk through today. Though we may not know it yet, one day we will miss going to Stuartholme. Centring our education around the Sacred Heart Goals and our Wisdom Women, our Stuartholme experiences will profoundly impact us.

A Sacred Heart education inspires a lifelong love of learning, a sense of compassion, and a desire to promote better health for all. I’m sure all the ladies reading this have heard of the shoe brand, FRANKiE4. For one, my mum has. She loves her FRANKiE4’s, wearing them every day. But did you know, the founder of this iconic shoe brand was an Alumna of our very own?

Caroline McCulloch utilised her Sacred Heart education to benefit others’ health; through FRANKiE4 enables better access to healthcare for women.

An Alumae of the 1995 cohort, Caroline started her Stuartholme journey facing the daunting years of high school ahead. By Year 10, after being treated for her sport-related feet pain, she chose to pursue a career in foot health, transferring her Stuartholme education into a Physiotherapy/Podiatry Degree and eventually a business. This business ran for eight years before it transitioned into shoe production.

Caroline sympathised with women who complained about the uncomfortable and inaesthetic shoes available to them, growing tired of prescribing the same ‘daggy looking shoes’ repeatedly. Compelled to action, Caroline took a break from her business and started designing shoes that were stylishly appealing while maintaining their orthopaedic function. Her ‘passion for footwear and foot health’ motivates her to help as many women as possible. She poured her heart into FRANKiE4, frequently traveling overseas to meet with potential manufacturers.

Both Caroline and FRANKiE4 are significantly impacting our world, bettering women’s lives globally, and supporting initiatives through fundraisers for charities such as the Brainchild Foundation. FRANKiE4 helps women’s self-esteem, and boosts their confidence in their outfits, supporting their positive mental health.

At Stuartholme, we are taught about Christian vocation, which calls people to live their God-given purpose. John 13:34 reads “Love one another. As I have loved you”. Essentially, Jesus said that serving God is to serve others. Caroline has served others, participating in Christian vocation. She is committed to improving women’s healthcare, as a business owner and physiotherapist.

Her fulfilment in prophetic vocation is seen as a response to injustices, namely health issues, in her community. In an interview with Fashion Co NZ, Caroline stated her motivation stems from the “genuine benefit that her shoes give to the wearer” and “the best outcome for her patients”. But her passion started long before this, stemming from her years at Stuartholme. During this time, Caroline was a dedicated athlete, hindered by constant foot pain. Inspired by her physiotherapist, she started a Physiotherapy Degree.

The influences of a Sacred Heart education are evident throughout Caroline’s life. The third Sacred Heart goal, a social awareness which impels to action, is seen in her response to women’s health struggles. Following in St. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s footsteps of kindness and compassion, her empathy has benefitted women internationally and is reflected though her connection to her customers and patients.

Stuartholme cultivates great changemakers who serve and live, shaped by a Sacred Heart education. So, embrace your education, or if you’re an old girl, reflect on how Stuartholme influenced your life. As you navigate the everchanging world, cherish your school memories, and be grateful for your time on the hill. As St. Madeleine Sophie said, ‘your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world’. Mirror these words, allowing your actions to drive change for the better.

Information regarding Acute Respiratory Infection dated April 2024 from the Queensland Public Health and Scientific Services (QPHaSS) can be found here 2024 Acute Respiratory Infection April 2024 .