Dear Parents, Staff and Members of Council
"The Field" Raffle Draw took place in a packed Prep School Hall on Tuesday, and what an exciting evening it was. The Raffle was controlled and audited by Deloitte's. Matthew Pearce, the Master of Ceremonies ensured that the proceedings were efficient and fun-filled.
Apart from overlooking "The Field", with girls practicing and the mountain in the background, the draw was such a fun occasion. All the prize winners, who did not collect their prizes on the evening, will be contacted, but the full list of winners can be seen on the Herschel Extranet.
"The Field" project has been a remarkable success and not only have we provided the present Herschel girls with a truly superb facility, but it will also benefit future generations of Herschel girls.
My sincerest thanks to everyone of you for being part of this project, for buying tickets, encouraging others to buy, selling tickets, making donations and generally supporting the project.
Clearly there must be concerns about such a project from many perspectives, but I do hope, now that it is complete, all reservations have been dispelled. To those parents who have been so generous in donating prizes and sponsoring the draw evening, your support has made a significant difference. There are so many aspects of this project which have been very special, not the least reaching 96% of our target, which will mean we can complete the project; including lights.
An aspect which has really pleased me, exceedingly, is the overwhelming support we got from parents - the realising of "The Field of Dreams" was certainly a team effort. Now I look forward to seeing you on the side line.
My sincerest thanks to the Admin Staff at school. To Heather; Mary-Anne; Madeleen; Debbie and Margie at the Prep School, who have really put in so much additional time and effort into the organization of the fund-raiser. Paula Scott, who has made contact with so many of you encouraging you to get involved, has done a remarkable job and has pushed our sales substantially. Roger, whose support, continued interest and his superb organization skills made such a difference over the duration of the project.
At the Prep, Lin, Linda and Moira have been so supportive in every way and all the staff and girls, so tolerant of the disruptions. The Fund-raising committee, consisting of Bev Rothman; Merilyn Scoble; Thea Haller; George Comitis; Saul Berman; Andrew Golding; Neil Macdonald and Clive Noland, has been enthusiastic and positive at all times.
The School Council's financial support has meant we can complete the project. They have also been so encouraging and certainly saw "The Field" as a must have facility.
It is so fitting that "The Field" is a reality in this year that Rick Haw has been acting Chair on our Council as it has been a dream of his for many years.
Andrew has been a tower of strength during this entire project. His enthusiasm and excitement has been such a motivating influence to all of us. I don't think there was a single day during this entire project that Andrew did not pop up to see the progress, and I could be assured that first thing on Monday morning I would get an update of progress. Andrew's contribution to "The Field" has been brilliant.
At the risk of diminishing the role of so many who have contributed to the project I have to single out Bev Rothman, who has devoted every spare moment to "The Field". Bev's enthusiasm; her determination to reach our target, and her superb administrative talents have been invaluable. Without fear of contradiction, I know that without Bev, the project would not have been this successful.
Paul has been such a support to Bev and he has been a champion, in so many ways, in backing the project. Bev has committed herself to our project for the last 5 months and I am at a loss to thank her adequately.
We have all been a part of Herschel's history in providing this facility and we must feel proud of our achievement.
Fond regards,
Bruce Probyn
Head
