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Newsletter2019

SACOSA

Old scholar and current actor/director Elizabeth Hay - Read about our SAC students Post School Pathways on pages 3 & 4 .

We want to hear your stories!Let us know what you have been

doing since leaving SAC. Whether it is success in your career or personal

achievements we want to hear them!Send your news along with a recent

image of yourself to:

sacosa@sac.sa.edu.au

"I am committed to diversity, equality

and bringing women to the front, all of

which I attribute to my time at SAC, and

I aim to represent this in my own

work."

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From Game oF Thrones To The FesTival CenTre

International set and costume designer Renate Henschke is back in her

hometown and has plenty in-store for Adelaide audiences of The Club.

South Australian-born costume and production designer Renate Henschke’s résumé is an impressive thing to behold: she received a grant to study fashion in Ireland, had a clothing line for Topshop and worked extensively in theatre, film and on numerous television series, including the multi-award-winning Game of Thrones and Vikings.Most recently, Renate has put in long hours in the lead up to the opening of David Williamson’s iconic 1970s satire The Club, an all-female production from isthisyours? for State Theatre Company’s 2019 season.“The girls did a season of the show in Belvoir, in Sydney, last year. But it was a very small budget and design team around the show,” says Renate.“So, the challenge has been taking it from that form into this larger space and trying to maintain the charm of the original production and the comedy and humour.“Like we have these humorous wig drops; wigs are the elements that change to [show the] change of character, and we have this very, what seems, simple magnetic wig drop system in place. But, the amount of problems that have come out of that. We’ve been doing lots of basic, basic magnetic research.”Creating the visual world of a production is central to any show. It not only assists the audience in following plot points and suspending disbelief, but it can allow actors to slip into roles more easily. It’s a craft Renate fell in love with in her 20s.Having moved to Europe to study fashion, Renate’s clothing line was picked up by the multinational clothing retailer Topshop. But, Renate – an Irish permanent resident – found she didn‘t enjoy the business side of the fashion industry.“There’s a really healthy film industry [in Ireland]. And I ended up working on lots of short films and things.“My first big job was as part of a costume team in Belfast, and I went and worked on the second season of Game of Thrones in the extras department – and then I had the bug.”Although based in Ireland, Renate remains connected to Adelaide, where her family still lives, returning to South Australia to work on projects such as the 2012 production, I Am Not An Animal – an installation performance set in the Adelaide Zoo.

In Daily - City MagWords: Jessica Bassano

Photograph: Supplied

A perfect fit from pillage to party girl.

SAWeekendWords: Penelope DebellePhotograph: Bernard Walsh

Renate Henschke worked on shows like Game of Thrones and Vikings - now she's dressed two party loving friends for South Australian Sophie Hyde's new film Animals.

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PosT sChool PaThwaysEnrolled Name: Elizabeth HayYears at SAC: 2001 - 2006Occupation: Actor Career/ Life Path post-schoolI went to the Flinders Drama Centre straight after Year 12 to study acting, and completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Hons in 2010. Since then, I have worked with companies like the State Theatre Company of South Australia, Windmill Theatre, Patch Theatre and Slingsby Theatre. I enjoy working in film and television too, and have had some really excellent experiences with local filmmakers over the years. I have also been building my skills as a theatre maker and deviser. Later this year, I will direct a play for the first time, and the cast just so happens to include SAC Alumni, which is very exciting! I am committed to diversity, equality and bringing women to the front, all of which I attribute to my time at SAC, and I aim to represent this in my own work.

One Major Highlight/Point of Interest in your post school pathwayThis year, I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time overseas for my work. I have travelled with South Australian companies to theatres in Canada and the US, the UK and Ireland, China, and Norway. During this time, I performed at the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, the largest festival for young people in the world, which for me was a career highlight and real privilege. I also performed at our own Adelaide Festival this year, which was very special.

Enrolled Name: Christina AmbrosiYears at SAC: 2002 - 2011Occupation: ResearcherCareer/ Life Path post-schoolAfter some uncertainty at the end of Year 12, I enrolled in Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), following the advice of a well-trusted Physics Teacher. Throughout my

degree, I worked as a disability support worker and mental health worker – two jobs that were extremely rewarding. My intention was to become a clinical psychologist after completing by degree; however, things have taken a slight detour! I am currently completing my PhD in Psychology, specifically focusing on parenting and child emotional wellbeing. I have developed a modified parenting program that takes a family-based approach to parenting, helping mothers and fathers learn strategies to support their children’s development together. Alongside my own research, I have worked on a variety of projects, including studies on child physical activity and obesity, and how technology can be utilised to improve physical wellbeing. I am currently a Course Coordinator at SAIBT and tutor at the University of South Australia. I will be commencing Master of Psychology (Clinical) next year, with the intention of

combining research and clinical practice in my future career.

One Major Highlight/Point of Interest in your Post-School PathwayAfter meeting an expert in parenting research, I was invited to work on a large research project at the University of Melbourne! The experience, knowledge, and skills I gained while interstate were incredible – along with the added advantage of experiencing Melbourne's culinary delights!After leaving school, where I was actively involved in Social Justice, I struggled to find an outlet to continue campaigning for social justice issues. I am now involved in Young Mercy Links South Australia –a network of young people passionate about social justice, advocacy, education, and celebrating community

"It’s great to continue building relationships, while supporting and learning about diverse cultures!"

Christina Ambrosi

Elizabeth Hay

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PosT sChool PaThways

Enrolled Name: Emily CooymansYears at SAC: 2010-2014

One Major Highlight/Point of Interest in your post school pathwayI tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Year 11 whilst playing senior knockout netball against Sacred Heart College for St Aloysius. It is a very common injury for netballers and I was heartbroken and devastated. Going through the year-long rehab process whilst in Year 12 was difficult but I had so much support from my teachers and friends at SAC. The injury influenced me to pursue a career as a physiotherapist post school. I was accepted into a bachelor of Human Movement but during this degree I had a change in mind and decided to pursue a career as a Physical Education Teacher. Post my Bachelor Degree I was accepted into my Masters of Teaching. At this time, I also made it into the Premier League Squad for the Newton Jaguars Netball Club. Unfortunately, my worst nightmare happened again and I tore my ACL on my other knee. I thought

I was going to have to delay my degree but after many meetings with my university coordinators and physiotherapist, I got the all clear to go on my first placement, three months post-surgery and not being able to run… Needless to say these past 18 months have been the most challenging but rewarding months of my life. St Aloysius taught me resilience and mental toughness but above all, it taught me the value of friendship. The messages of support from my high school friends and teachers kept my spirits high and helped me through my rehab journey. I have just finished my teaching degree and got the all clear to play netball again. I honestly cannot wait to start the next chapter of my life as a teacher.

Emily Cooymans

"Going through the year-long rehab process whilst in Year 12 was difficult but I had so much support from my

teachers and friends at SAC..."

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loyal en TouT... was never ForGoTTen

Andrea Michaels MPMember for Enfield

(88 -90)

To all responsible Facebook users:

Become a fan of the official St Aloysius College

Old Scholars Association

To do this, simply search ‘St Aloysius College Old Scholars Association’, choose the one with

the logo as shown in the image on the left and click ‘Like’. You will then

be able to view all recent posts, relevant links and photos and

you’ll be kept up to date with old scholars' achievements, upcoming

events and more!

Andrea Michaels is a former student of St Aloysius College (88-90), she was then known as Androulla Michaels. SAC was a wonderful positive environment for her early years and she personally thanks the school for it. Andrea has had a 20 year career in law, running her own law firm for the last four years and

holding leadership positions in the Law Society of South Australia. She's now privileged to be the Member for Enfield. Excerpts of her first speech as a Member for Enfield are listed below where 'Loyal En Tout' was never forgotten."My schooling years were critical and, may I say, they were quite positive. For that, I will always be grateful. I was lucky enough to have teachers who encouraged me to do my best. Yes, I was a nerd, but perhaps in different circumstances I may not have been such a high academic achiever.""I myself have been inspired by some of the most influential women in this state, whether by a simple handshake with Dame Roma Mitchell when I was young, the leadership shown in two of my educational institutions by Sister Deidre Jordan, or a friendship formed with the Hon. Robyn Layton. These amongst many other brave and inspiring women have helped forge the path that I continue on proudly today.""To be inspiring and guiding, and providing opportunities to actively promote diversity in all its forms, is something that I believe we have a responsibility to do."

An excerpt from the 1989 yearbook

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Global PharmaCeuTiCal researChCongratulations to SAC old scholar Chelsea Thorn who was awarded a prestigious Endeavour Postgraduate Leadership Scholarship from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training. Selected from a pool of over 7000 applicants, she was one of only 71 people to receive the award.

She also recently won 3 awards at the University of South Australia's Scholarship and Prize Ceremony: the Gould Experimental Science Encouragement Prize, the Bupa Health Research Grant and the Maurice de Rohan International Scholarship!

Chelsea says these awards will enable her to take her study to the next level and experience research at a global scale, where she will undertake a series studies contributing towards her PhD. "I will travel to Germany for 6 months to work at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland exploring the efficacy of my smart drug delivery technology in next generation artificial organs. From there I will travel to Ohio State University (USA) to complete pre-clinical studies with the bacterial-sensing technology. Thereafter, I will finish a 3-month research project at the University of Nottingham and the UK Biofilm Centre (United Kingdom)."

Last month, old scholar and current parent, Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk, launched HerTechPath.

HerTechPath is a community-based organisation that celebrates and inspires careers for women and girls in the tech sector. SAC was proud to be represented at the launch of this exciting initiative.

For more info, visit:https://hertechpath.org/

herTeChPaTh

Eva and her team keep SA Government safe and secure from cyber threat, provide core technology services that allow SA Government to function such as email and internet, and engage with citizens and businesses to deliver government services in new and better ways, using digital technologies.

Prior to this role, Eva was State Director for Microsoft South Australia, as well as the inaugural National Skills Program, Lead, to develop and implement Microsoft Australia’s future-ready workforce initiatives. Eva has a PhD in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Adelaide, and is a Director for Novita, St Peter’s Girls’ College and the History Trust of South Australia. She is also founder of HerTechPath, a community of women working in the technology sector in South Australia who deliver briefings to high schools to inspire girls to consider careers in this exciting and important sector.

Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk - Executive Director ICT and Digital Government Department

of the Premier and Cabinet SA Government

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saCosa movie aFTernoon!The SAC Old Scholars Association (SACOSA) invited all SAC old scholars, current students, friends and families to join us for an afternoon at the movies on Sunday 7 July! What a wonderful opportunity it was to catch up with the SAC community and to kick off the school holidays.

It was wonderful to see so many faces from the St Aloysius College Adelaide community

on a Sunday at the SACOSA movie afternoon.

Look out for more events coming soon!

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rememberinG PaT Gehan wiTh love

At the first SACOSA meeting

Pat Gehan with Sr Judith Redden

Working for SACOSA, 1998 Going through the Time Capsule, 1986

Pat Gehan was a dedicated and inspiring teacher, a loyal mentor and true friend who was passionate about social justice. Pat's vision of an on-going connection with SAC for former students led her to estab-lish SACOSA.

She continued to nurture SACOSA and take great interest in the school and committee right up until her death.

We will miss her friendship, energy and enthusiasm and will con-tinue to work to ensure her legacy lives on through an active and engaged SACOSA.