by Isla Huffadine

Tolcarne Report

It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming a new bunch of girls to join our Tolcarne family. Although, reflecting on the Term we have had, these students have grown significantly and have successfully navigated their way through 11 weeks at St Hilda’s. Well done girls, you should all feel very proud of yourselves! Term 1 has been filled with activities, study, sports, exciting events and additions to Tolcarne. We are loving our new multipurpose court and the Activities Room, with these spaces being in hot demand for use!

Image by: Isla Huffadine

The start of the term was kicked off with our annual Year 13 Leaders’ Dinner. Families travelled up for the occasion, celebrating their daughters as the new leaders of Tolcarne. We were lucky enough to have Megan Crawford as our guest speaker this year, who gifted the girls the book ‘Addressed to Greta’. Imogen Keeling has written a fabulous review on the novel, which you will be able to take a look at in our Term 1 copy of the Tolcarne Trumpet.

Image by: Isla Huffadine

Koru has been in full swing, with the juniors covering a variety of topics over the 11 weeks. These sessions provide the opportunity for the girls to be themselves, show honesty and at times step up and be brave. The Year 11 girls have also been offered more wellbeing opportunities this year, as an add on from their Year 10 Koru. Twice a term the students are involved in ‘Korero’, facilitated by Ziggy and Ross. A topic is chosen, which group discussions are formed from. The most recent focus has been on comfort, stretch and panic zones. The girls have leaned into this new initiative, showing an openness to learn and to be vulnerable. 

Image by: Isla Huffadine

This week we were lucky enough to hire out the Rialto Cinema and have a private screening of the film 'Girls Can't Surf'. This was a fantastic movie, tying in with our wellbeing programs - full of important messages that we hope have resonated with the girls. The ladies within the film showed true grit and determination throughout their years on the world surfing stage, developing a change in stereotypes and pushing the boundaries for females in sport. Along with the movie, there was also a LOT of popcorn consumed and treats enjoyed! Thank you to Ziggy for organising this event and Rialto for having us

Image by: Isla Huffadine

Dr Townsley has offered a variety of different Night Prayer sessions throughout the term. This is a great chance for the girls to take a break in their busy schedules, enjoying time together to reflect and remember what they are grateful for. Dr Townsley has planned her sessions for Term 2 around the themes of winter, weather and light within the darkness.

The St Hilda’s 125th Celebrations were a highlight of the term, one the students felt lucky to be a part of. The week of events at school involved the girls in this significant milestone for St Hilda’s. We were so impressed with the level of enthusiasm everyone had, getting fully involved in the dress up day, church service and of course cake eating – who could turn down the delicious cakes! We had over 130 old girls attend our Tolcarne lunch and tours. This was a very special time for these women, reminiscing on moments they shared, with life long friends made at Tolcarne. This reminds us of the strong friendship ties that are created under our roof, and how special St Hilda's and Tolcarne are in the lives of our past and present students 

Image by: Isla Huffadine

Bex has once again done a wonderful job of offering a range of weekend activities to the girls. They are never short for choice, being able to get involved with surfing lessons, beach trips, boat cruises, bus trips and more! Looking ahead to next term, there are plenty of new activities to try out. Think boxing, silk classes, ice skating and even a games night with John McGlashan!

Image by: Isla Huffadine
Image by: Isla Huffadine

As the senior workload increases in Term 2, our tutorials programme with be up and running to provide extra support for our students. We were unable to get this underway at the end of Term 1, due to the short weeks we seemed to keep having! The group tutorials are a great chance for the girls to get extra support and guidance with their studies. Remember if you/your daughter require more one on one tutoring, please take a look at our Private Tutors list or contact Isla Huffadine for more information.

Jodie, Ross and the rest of the fabulous kitchen team have once again done a wonderful job of cooking, creating themed dinners, running the canteen and always having a smile on their face at dinner time! We are extremely grateful for the time and effort they put into planning meals and adding special touches, this does not go unnoticed!

Image by: Isla Huffadine

I would also like to give a shout out to the girls. Well done on a massive 11 week term! You have done well with managing school work, extra curricular activities, friendships and being away from home - it is hard to get the balance right, but you have all done so well 

Image by: Isla Huffadine

Our termly Trumpet magazine has been sent out to parents, also available to view on the school website and attached below. The girls have worked hard with putting articles together, writing and taking lots of photos to bring the Trumpet to life! A special shout out to two of our Year 12 girls, who have made a significant contribution this term. They have put together a timeline looking at the 'History of Tolcarne' (in light of the recent St Hilda's 125th Anniversary). Many hours of research has gone into this project, along with looking through old photo albums and gathering information. We hope you enjoy looking through this piece, getting to take a step back in time and see what life as a boarder really was like for our 'old girls'.

Signing out... without an iPad!! — Image by: Isla Huffadine
One of the hostel 'dorms' in 1989 — Image by: Isla Huffadine

Looking ahead to Term 2 we have lots to look forward to. Winter sports will be starting up, the anticipated formal season gets underway, new activities during the weekends and more. So to all of our families and wider Tolcarne community, have the most amazing break! Enjoy spending time with your special people, doing things you love that bring joy and fill your cup. We look forward to seeing you all back in a few weeks, recharged and ready for the second term of 2021 

Image by: Isla Huffadine