creating transformational change
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SIENA COLLEGE
STUDENT FOYER OF THE ST CATHERINE’S CENTRE
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Transformation
Four Pillars of Philanthropy
creating transformational change
“ This project will have a profound impact
on the lives of so many who have passed
through these gates, on the students who are
here today, and on those who will become the
Siena women of the future.”
Gaynor Robson-Garth, Principal of Siena College
LEVEL 3: GALLERY OF THE ST CATHERINE’S CENTRE
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A Message from the Principal and Campaign Chair
Our Project
Siena College is soon
to embark on the
next exciting phase
of our vision for the
education of young
women with the completion of a new
three level student centre of excellence to
be named the St Catherine’s Centre. This
building will be opened in 2015 as part of
our 75th anniversary celebrations.
As one of the most highly regarded Catholic
secondary colleges in Victoria, this visionary
project, together with our ‘Four Pillars of
Philanthropy,’ will ensure that the College
remains at the forefront of girls’ education
over the next seventy-five years.
Building A Culture of Giving
With the help of the Siena Community,
our dream is to extend the current $8.5
million project by adding in four non funded
elements. As the butterfly is transformed
from four stages of its life cycle, so our
philanthropic project will transform four areas
into wonderful facilities for our community.
Pillar 1: The Auditorium
Our dream is to upgrade the proposed
Lecture Theatre located inside the
St Catherine’s Centre into an Auditorium
capable of hosting intimate productions
and music performances.
Pillar 2: Student Resource Centre
The second element to the project is to fully
refurbish the current library into a modern,
purpose built Student Resource Centre.
Our Campaign
Our College was
built thanks to the
dedication and
passion of the
Dominican sisters.
Now the baton has been passed to the
Siena community to safeguard and protect
that tradition for the future.
Pillar 3: The Agora and Terraced
Gardens
The third element, an unused area of
the College, will be transformed into an
agora (a gathering place) and terraced
gardens. The project includes extensive
landscaping, the creation of beautiful
gardens, water features and quiet
gathering areas.
My time with Siena spanned over 20
years as Director of Music. I am proud
and deeply humbled that the College
has invited me to chair this Appeal. To
make this project a success we need
everyone involved in sharing our dream.
I am absolutely thrilled that so many
have already offered their support and
encouragement.
Pillar 4: The Convent and Cloisters
The final chapter in this extraordinary
project is perhaps the most treasured:
restoring the iconic heart of our College,
the Convent and Cloisters, to become
the gateway to the College. This building
is the spiritual centre of the College and
was home to our Dominican sisters and
our school for many years. With your
support, the Convent and Cloisters will
again become the entrance to the College.
Families, alumnae and friends will be
welcomed to this historic place.
An Invitation
We are inviting all current families, past
parents, alumnae, past and present
staff, friends and suppliers to become
involved by giving their time and a gift of
significance. Gifts may be pledged over
three years, as we can only realise our
dream with your support.
I invite you to join with me in considering
this project for your philanthropic support.
Gaynor Robson-Garth, Principal
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Siena Philanthropic Society
Naturally, all gifts will be recognised and
donors thanked. We have created the
Siena Philanthropic Society to formally
recognise gifts from $1,000 to $50,000+.
The Society will gather annually and is our
way of saying thanks.
There have been many changes to
Siena College over the years, all aimed
at offering the best possible education to
young women. This project will provide
our young women with an environment
where they will continue to excel and
contribute fully to a globalised world.
I passionately believe that this project
is a wonderful way to engage with the
community and develop a deeper sense
of connection.
Pauline Sheehan, Campaign Chair
“ “This is a once in a generation opportunity to change
the face of education at Siena College. Together, we
can be part of this most exciting initiative.”
Dr Beverley Begg, Chair of Siena College Board
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“Teaching and learning is the core business of
our College. Students are at the heart of Siena.
The development of the St Catherine’s Centre
reflects Siena’s priority to provide the very best
teaching and learning environment for the
students in our care.”
Gaynor Robson-Garth, Principal
The St Catherine’s
Centre will create truly
transformational change.”
Nicole Mangelsdorf,
Deputy Principal Learning
and Teaching
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St Catherine’s Centre
Project Overview
In 2014, Siena College will embark on
the next phase of our Master Plan, with
the construction of a magnificent new
three storey complex known as the
St Catherine’s Centre.
The new Centre will be opened in mid
2015 as part of our 75th anniversary
celebrations.
Funding
Significantly, this project, which
represents an $8.5m commitment,
is fully costed. With the project being
funded via borrowings and from previous
investments, fees will only increase in line
with previous years.
•
Level Two is a specialist Year 12
Centre. That includes a dedicated
space for our senior students to
achieve the best possible learning
outcomes at this critical point in their
education. It reflects our commitment
to excellence in all endeavours.
•
Level Three will contain a wonderful
art gallery and five contemporary
learning and teaching spaces. This
level will connect to the adjacent Art,
Design and Technology wing in the
existing building.
•
Extending from Level 1 to Level 2
is a 300-seat Lecture Theatre. This
will enhance curriculum delivery at all
levels but particularly at VCE, enabling
a tertiary style approach with lectures
and tutorials. It will be a space where
students, classes and year levels
can gather to listen to speakers and
attend presentations.
Features
• The First Level will house Student
Reception, a range of Student
Services, a Wellbeing Centre, and all
our key leaders, including two Deputy
Principals. It will provide a centralised
facility for all students in the College.
VIEW FROM HOCKNELL STREET, ST CATHERINE’S CENTRE
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Pillar One
Transforming the Lecture
Theatre into an Auditorium
Raising the Arts
Investment Required:
$250,000
“ Being able to stage productions and small concerts, would be terrific. What a
wonderful facility for our students who are passionate about the Performing Arts.”
Georgina Plasto, Head of the Performing Arts
The Auditorium
Features
The upgrade to an Auditorium would
include stage, enhanced sound and
lighting, fully equipped bio-booth control
box, curtains, backstage area, and a
green room and makeup facility.
Metamorphosis
The project will see the planned 300
seat Lecture Theatre housed inside the
new St Catherine’s Centre, transformed
into a magnificent Auditorium capable
of hosting small productions, music
performances, ensembles and concerts.
Benefit and Impact
The Auditorium will allow year levels to
gather as one student body and enhance
curriculum delivery at all levels but
particularly at VCE, enabling a tertiary style
approach with lectures and tutorials.
The project will significantly elevate the role
and importance of the Performing Arts at
the College. It will have a wonderful impact
on the Arts curriculum and provide a fully
equipped theatre and music space for
our students.
“Currently, there is no performance space for the Performing Arts in the College and there is no
lecture style environment that can allow for university based curriculum delivery. We passionately
believe the upgraded Auditorium will have a demonstrable impact on the education and
achievements of our young women.” Gaynor Robson-Garth, Principal
Examples of the Difference Your Gift Will Make.
$250,000 Auditorium Upgrade
$50,000Stage
$30,000
Curtains and Tracks
$20,000
Stage Lighting
$15,000
Sound Upgrade
$10,000
Console Upgrade
$6,000
Green Room
$3,000
Lecturn and Interface
$1,000
Auditorium Seating
KERRYN MCGILLEN, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
AND GEORGINA PLASTO, HEAD OF THE
PERFORMING ARTS
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VIEW OF AUDITORIUM, BIO-BOOTH
CONTROL BOX ELEVATED
Pillar Two
Transforming the
Library into a Student
Resource Centre
Educational Best Practice
Investment Required:
$500,000 to $700,000
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTRE
“ In just a few years we have witnessed a staggering change in the way students
access information and conduct research. Our library, while satisfactory, no
longer meets the needs of staff and students, nor the expectations of parents
in a 21st century educational environment.” Vicki Hudson, Head of Information Services
Student Resource Centre
Features
The upgrade to Student Resource Centre
would include new resource rooms, IT
area and flexible learning spaces. It will be
fully refurbished with new technology and
equipment, new learning areas, and new
digital, visual and print resources.
Metamorphosis
The project will see the existing Library
completely refurbished, remodelled
and transformed into a state of the art
Student Resource Centre.
The facility will be fully integrated into
the new St Catherine’s Centre to allow
a seamless transition into one global
learning environment.
The current library was originally an
undercroft that was converted into the
building we have today. There are design
issues with the acoustics and layout of
learning spaces.
Benefit and Impact
The Student Resource Centre will
allow greater interactive learning, new
technologies and enhanced research
capacity, which will ultimately mean
improved academic success at VCE. This
model is certainly in line with international
best practice in education. It will have a
profound impact on students and staff by
providing a new hub of learning.
“At Siena students are taught to value learning, to strive for excellence, to think critically, to
appreciate beauty and to respect the diversity of cultures…With your help we can deliver a new
facility that encourages our girls to strive for excellence and to become the talented leaders of
tomorrow.” Gaynor Robson-Garth, Principal
Examples of the Difference Your Gift Will Make.
$500,000+ Resource Centre
Upgrade
$50,000
Carpet and Finishing
$30,000
Acoustic Ceiling Panels
$20,000
Research Centre
$15,000
Reading Area
$10,000
Mobile Shelving
$6,000Compactus
$3,000
Interactive Screen
$1,000
Help Desk
VICKI HUDSON, HEAD OF INFORMATION SERVICES
AND MARIE SALINGER, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
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VIEW OF STUDENT RESOURCE CENTRE
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Pillar Three
Transforming the unused
tennis court into an Agora
and Terraced Gardens
Celebrating Beauty
and Tranquility
Investment Required:
$250,000
“ The current area is seldom used by the College and so transforming a tired
corner into spectacular gardens would be extraordinary. The College is committed
to enhancing our green spaces.” Michael Mimmo and Lawrence Ballestrin, Presidents SPA
Agora and Terraced Gardens
Features
The upgrade to Agora and Terraced
Gardens will include water features,
native plants, terraced steps, gardens,
an avenue of honour, seating areas,
and gathering points.
Metamorphosis
Under the design of landscape architect
and Siena alumna Karsha Dickinson,
the project will see an existing unused
corner of the College completely
landscaped into a beautiful terraced
garden area.
Benefit and Impact
The Agora and Terraced Gardens will
ensure that green space remains a priority
of the College. It is important that our
students have a natural space in which
to reflect and gather. It is also critical that
protecting the environment is a message
we are seen ‘to do’ and not just to talk
about. From a curriculum perspective,
we envisage the space being a wonderful
resource in science and environmental
studies.
VIEW OF ST CATHERINE’S CENTRE
Examples of the Difference Your Gift Will Make.
$250,000 Agora and Gardens
$50,000Lighting
$30,000
Avenue of Honour
$20,000
Terrace
$15,000
Water Feature
$10,000
Outdoor Learning Pod
$6,000
Garden Bed
$3,000
Table and Chair Setting
$1,000
Established Tree
The area will also provide a wonderful
facility for the wider Siena community to
utilise for special occasions.
“It’s a dream of mine to come
back and work with my old
school. I am so grateful for
the chance it has given me
in my life and in my career.
To design a place that will
be a gathering point for staff,
parents, students, friends and
alumnae to relax and meet,
is a real privilege. Thank you
Siena.” Karsha Dickinson,
ISABELLA OVERMARS, COLLEGE CAPTAIN
2014, KARSHA DICKINSON, LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECT, AND KRISTEN MONTEIRO,
COLLEGE CAPTAIN 2014
Class of 2002
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VIEW FROM HOCKNELL STREET
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VIEW OF AGORA AND TERRACED GARDENS
LOOKING TOWARDS SCIENCE CENTRE
Pillar Four
Transforming the Convent
and Cloisters into a new
gateway to the College
Celebrating our Heritage
Investment Required:
$250,000
“ For many years, this historic building was home to the Dominican sisters and
served as the Convent. In recent years, it has been home to the Music Department
which will be relocated. The new gateway to the College will provide the opportunity
for all to be immersed in the history and tradition of Siena.” Sue Thompson, Deputy Principal, Wellbeing
Convent and Cloisters
Features
The restored Convent and Cloisters
building will include a new Reception, the
Principal’s Office and the Development
Team together with the Registrar who will
be housed here to welcome past, current
and future families to our College. In time,
it will be home to archival presentations
and historical displays. There will be
conference and meeting rooms available
for parents, staff and students to utilise.
Metamorphosis
The gateway project will see the historic
Convent and Cloisters building become
the official new entrance to the College.
This project will ensure this magnificent
and beautiful building truly remains the
heart of the College.
ALUMNAE: REBECCA LAW, CLASS OF 1989, MEG LAW,
CLASS OF 1993, DEBBIE PHYLAND (NÉE LAW), CLASS
OF 1982 AND SANDY LAW, CLASS OF 1984
Benefit and Impact
The impact of new families arriving at
the school to be greeted and walked
through those historic gates would be
profound. We must treasure our past in
order to build for the future. It is the natural
entrance to the school – we believe we are
restoring this grand and iconic building
to its rightful place.
“We are proud to call ourselves Siena women,
it will be wonderful to return and walk though
those cloisters – such memories – what a truly
wonderful moment for our College.”
The Law Sisters
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Examples of the Difference Your Gift Will Make.
$250,000 $50,000
Complete Upgrade
Courtyard and Gardens
$30,000Reception
$20,000
Heritage Centre
$15,000
Office Fit Out
$10,000
Interview Room
$6,000Compactus
$3,000
Interactive Display
$1,000Workstation
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“ We invite you to consider a
gift. Together we can make an
extraordinary impact.”
Gaynor Robson-Garth, Principal of Siena College
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Siena Philanthropic Society
“I am so thrilled to be invited to be Patron. I have
such wonderful memories of Siena. I owe so much
of my success to what the nuns taught me.”
Susan Alberti (née Jenkings) Class of 1964, Patron
Our Patron
Siena is very
proud that Susan
Alberti AO, Class
of 1964, is Patron
of our Philanthropic
Appeal. Susan is a philanthropist and
businesswomen who has dedicated
her life to helping raise money for
medical research, supporting healthy,
active lifestyles, through her work at the
Western Bulldogs and developing better
infrastructure for Melbourne’s west.
Sue’s career is quite astonishing. Susan
chairs the Susan Alberti Medical Research
Foundation, which is dedicated to funding
medical research in Australia. She is also
Chair of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical
Research Foundation and is Director on
the SVI Board. She is Vice President of
her beloved Western Bulldogs, a Director
of Western Health Foundation and
Victoria University Foundation. She was
National President of the Juvenile Diabetes
Foundation, a position she held for twentythree years.
‘It takes a Village to Raise a Child’
How Your Gift Can Help…. The Siena
Philanthropic Society.
Philanthropic Levels
The Siena Philanthropic Society is designed
to provide a framework to support a
culture of philanthropy. We hope you will
join us and consider pledging at one of the
following levels:
At Siena College we are hoping to build a
culture of philanthropy. With this in mind,
we have developed the Siena Philanthropic
Society, which is a new initiative, created to
support major building projects.
$1,000Friend
$3,000Companion
How Much Should I Give?
Fees and grants pay for the operational
costs of schools. The Society assists with
larger, more transformational projects.
Every gift, no matter how large or small,
is treasured.
$6,000Supporter
$10,000 Member
$15,000 Associate
$20,000 Partner
All of us have different capacities and
circumstances. We hope you will consider
giving a gift of significance and a gift that
makes you proud.
Patronage
Donors are awarded lifetime patronage
of the Siena Philanthropic Society for
gifts of $3,000 or more. This applies to
gifts given cumulatively or via a single gift.
Gifts from $1,000 - $2,999 are awarded
patronage for a period of six years.
Pledges and Tax Deductibility
All donations are made to the College
Building Fund and are fully tax deductible.
All donations can be made as a one off
gift or pledged over three years. Pledges
are not binding contracts but rather
expressions of intent and goodwill and can
be varied depending on circumstances.
$30,000 Benefactor
$50,000+
Governor
About The Levels
Donors will be listed as founders of
the Society, without disclosing confidential
information or actual levels of individual gifts.
Gatherings
We envisage the Society will gather
annually for celebrations and project
updates.
In 2006, Susan was awarded an honorary
doctorate: Doctor of Laws honoris causa
of Monash University. In 2007, Susan was
awarded an Order of Australia (AO).
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Recognition
The College would be thrilled to ensure
your gift is recognised appropriately. We
have developed a range of recognition
opportunities commencing from an
Auditorium seat at $1,000 with recognition
tiers all the way up to $250,000 for
naming of the Auditorium or naming of the
Agora and Terraced Gardens.
Tony Jones
Nine News sports
presenter, Tony Jones hosts
our DVD on the campaign.
Tony is a current parent and
a great supporter of the
Siena College community.
Tony studied at a radio
school before beginning his
career in radio newsrooms
in country Victoria and
Melbourne’s 3AW. He joined
GTV Channel 9 in May
1986, making the move
from news into sport. Tony
began reading weekend
sports bulletins in 1988 and
moved to weeknight sports
presenting in 1990. He has
also presented National
Nine News on numerous
occasions. He enjoys regular
sports segments on 3AW.
SIENA COLLEGE ALUMNAE
Connecting Past, Present and Future
Tel: 03 9835 0266
815 Riversdale Road Camberwell 3124