Foundation Member: Dr Diane Hu
In 2023 St Catherine’s School Foundation welcomed new Foundation Board Member, Dr Diane Hu. Below Dr Hu provides insights into why St Catherine’s School was the best choice for her daughter, Isabel and the importance of giving.
What were your main reasons for selecting St Catherine’s School?
It was a very rational choice after visiting most girls’ schools in Melbourne and upon consultation with experts from the Victorian Department of Education and Training. It was also a decision we have been increasingly thankful for; with changes and little things we observe in Isabel every day. Most recently, when I brought her to La Gioconda in concert by Jonas Kaufmann, she quietly sat through the three hours and proudly told me they had already learnt about it in class.
What hopes do you have for St Catherine’s and your daughters in the coming years?
The path we have chosen for Isabel has been one of the hardest, moving from China to Australia at 10 and spending her first two years (during COVID) in a progressive public school’s bilingual program before joining St Catherine’s. We are super proud of where she is now. We hope she can better enjoy and be proud of her achievements so far, relax and make the most out of her St Catherine’s years.
In your time at St Catherine’s so far, what do you believe makes our School special?
The people. Everyone, from Ms Carroll to each teacher, has made their best efforts to offer the best education experience possible to the girls. The parents are amazing, particularly the Asian-Australian community who have been a constant inspiration for us.
Dr Diane Hu with daughter, Isabel Hu and former Victorian Governor, Linda Dessau, a St Catherine’s Old Girl
What motivated you to support the St Catherine’s School Foundation?
We are just one of all the St Catherine’s parents who want similar things for their daughters and would be more than happy to contribute in any way they can, as part of the community.
Why is the generosity of giving important in a community?
Generosity and giving are powerful messages that can quickly spread in a community. We are honoured to be part of that.
Tell us something that we may be surprised to learn about you and your family.
Isabel and I were recently invited to the former Victorian Governor the Honourable Linda Dessau’s dinner to celebrate the achievements and contributions of recent migrants. It was such a touching moment for us who have settled in Melbourne for the past three and half years. It was a precious alumnae moment too, with Linda being both St Catherine’s (Isabel) and Melbourne University (me) alumnae. Linda was absolutely amazed to discover a young guest from her old beloved School.
