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the ruyton reporter
At Ruyton we aim to nurture girls to achieve
educational excellence and personal fulfilment.
In the last eight years Ruyton has maintained
an average median score of 90.3 in its VCE
results at Year 12. Equally important, we aim
to encourage girls to grow into confident and
resourceful young women, compassionate and
aware of the value of service. By reading the
comments of the girls below and hearing
about some of their exploits, we can say, with
confidence, that our girls rise to the challenge.
Personal Reflections of 2015 Year 12 girls
‘I have loved being involved in music, drama, debating,
sustainability, Duke of Edinburgh, community service,
sport classes … I wanted to try a bit of everything and
Ruyton has taught me to be a citizen of the world, and
that, although I may not excel in every area, at least
I have the strength to give it a go.’
Nicole McAuliffe
‘My favourite memories all involve people, the students
and teachers who have helped make my time here so
great! Whenever I was at School, I knew there would be
someone to share a smile, a laugh and make my School
days fun.’
Jemma Billinghurst
‘I remember being welcomed with open arms at Year 7
Orientation Day and it hasn’t changed since then! I have
been offered so many opportunities as a part of the
Ruyton community, such as Exchange and the Duke
of Edinburgh programme, and I am extremely grateful
for all the memories and friends I now have.’
Margarita Ainsworth
‘My favourite Ruyton memories are all to do with rowing:
the amazing community that has been built over the
years; the strong culture; the rowers who emerge from
the programme, and, most importantly, the bonds I have
formed with so many amazing girls across all year levels
- these are things I will cherish for my entire life!’
Laura McLaughlan
‘One of my favourite times at Ruyton was the feeling
I would get sitting in Assembly, scanning the faces of so
many Ruyton girls. I felt I belonged to something special
because I knew these girls and had a selection of fond
memories of serious, funny or crazy moments we’d
shared. In that sense my favourite Ruyton memory is
of knowing I was surrounded by a wonderful group
of people.’
Laura Marshall
‘The Year 10 Central Australia camp created many
memorable times as I was able to get closer to the girls
in the year level.’
Semee Park
‘I have always pinned Year 9 Ski Camp as being one of
my favourite [memories.] In beginners group, most of us,
including myself, had never skied before. On the first day,
cross country skiing, we were all falling down the hills like
dominoes! I remember it being one of the funniest days
from camp.’
Chae Raymond
‘My fondest memory is the thrilling experience of racing
in the 4x400m relay on GSV finals night in 2014. My team
mates Sarah Billings, Jess Mourney, Natalie Rule, and I
managed to win the event as well as achieve a new GSV
record!’
Audrey Campkin-Smith
Ruyton Standing Out
Boroondara Young Citizen
of the Year
Kathleen Hanson, a current Year 12 student and
Sustainability Captain, was awarded Boroondara
Young Citizen of the Year for 2016. At School she
has displayed compassion for those who may face
particular challenges. In the community Kathleen
has volunteered in many capacities: a committed
environmentalist, she has trekked through Kakadu
and participated in the National Tree Planting Day;
she has provided in-home care for the elderly,
worked at the Xavier Maytime Fair and as a
Salvation Army Charity Shop Assistant. An
accomplished sports woman herself, Kathleen
has been a Winter Sculling Series Volunteer,
has contributed to the Community Development
Department of the Melbourne Football Club Kids
Clinic to promote the involvement of children in
sport and was a Runner Promoting Women in
Sport in the Women’s Football League. Kathleen
has also raised funds for numerous charities.
We congratulate her for being recognised with
this award. Kathleen embodies the true spirit
of community service.
Mr Paul Upperton,
Year 9 Co-ordinator and
Leadership Co-ordinator
Kooyong Student Prize
Congratulations to Sesharna Bala and Annie
Gleisner, recipients of the Kooyong Student Prize.
This award recognises the academic and co-
curricular achievements of students. Each year, the
Prize is awarded to two students nominated by
their Principal for a remarkable combination of
academic excellence, leadership and community
engagement. It was presented by Federal Member
for Kooyong and Minister for Resources, Energy
and Northern Australia, the Honorable Josh
Frydenberg MP, on Wednesday 9 December 2015
before an audience of family and friends. Sesharna
and Annie each received a medal and certificate to
mark their achievements.