On Wednesday 7 December, St Catherine’s School farewelled its 12th Headmistress, Dr Julie Townsend, at her final Speech Day.
During the proceedings, the School Council dedicated the school’s 500-seat theatre in the Performing Arts & Aquatic Centre in her honour – officially naming it The Dr Julie Townsend Theatre.
We were delighted that three significant female leaders, Allegra Spender MP, Marjorie O’Neill MP and Paula Masselos Mayor of Waverley Council, joined us for the celebration.
Dr Townsend unveiled a plaque that quoted her vision for the Performing Arts & Aquatic Centre: “the many facilities in this building will underpin the transformative power of education, inspiring generations of St Catherine’s students to develop their inner core as they grow into ethical, capable, dependable and outward-looking young women – with a healthy dose of optimism.”
Dr Townsend has shaped the school significantly during her 13 years as headmistress. She transformed the school’s subject offerings, particularly in languages and technologies, and introduced a focus on STEM.
Under Dr Townsend’s leadership, St Catherine’s became one of the first schools to include positive psychology as part of its Academic Care program. Rowing, cadets and AFL have also been introduced, with much success
Finally, Dr Townsend shepherded the building of the Performing Arts & Aquatic Centre through 12 years of planning, COVID delays and building shortages. It is especially fitting that the theatre now bearing her name is housed in this centre.
