Gifts in Wills
Gifts in Wills Week
We are delighted to announce that our very first Gifts in Wills Week will take place from November 18 to November 22 at Lauriston Girls’ School.
This dedicated time allows our community to reflect on the profound impact of legacy giving and encourages individuals to consider how their Wills can support and strengthen the school’s mission long after they are gone.
Gifts in Wills are vital for funding scholarships, enhancing facilities, and providing invaluable resources for current and future students, ensuring Lauriston continues to offer an exceptional education and nurturing environment for young women.
In June 1967, Jean Hook left a Bequest to Lauriston School, which had a profound impact on its development.
This funding was instrumental in financing the second stage of the building plan, allowing for the construction of a new gymnasium, music department, Junior Creative Room, larger hockey field, and two new tennis courts.
The Biology and Physics rooms in the new building were named the Jean Hook Science Wing in her honour.
Bequests like Ms Hook’s have been vital for Lauriston, enabling enhancements to educational facilities and resources that directly benefit students.
Her legacy continues to influence the school, demonstrating the enduring importance of Philanthropy.
Events | Gifts in Wills Week
Throughout Gift in Wills week, we will host engaging events highlighting the importance of planned giving, featuring expert insights and personal stories. By participating, you can learn how your legacy can create lasting change at Lauriston and foster a brighter future for generations to come.
Gifts in Wills Workshop
19 November 2024, 9.30AM – 12.30PM
Lauriston Girls’ School
We’re excited to welcome Michael Clohesy, a seasoned Wills and Estates lawyer based in Melbourne, to guide us through the essentials of Estate Planning. With his Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate important topics such as understanding your Estate and tax effective giving strategies.
Tea and Talk with Alix Bradfield
20 November 2024, 2.00PM – 3.15PM
Lauriston Girls’ School
With nearly 50 years of dedication to the Lauriston community, Alix has played a pivotal role in our school’s journey, including the creation of the Howqua campus in 1993 and past Chair of School Council. As a proud parent and grandmother of Lauriston graduates, her connection to our school runs deep.
During this session, Alix will share her experiences, her commitment to Lauriston, and the heartfelt story behind her decision to leave a Gift in her Will. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation, enjoy refreshments, and learn from Alix’s impactful journey.
Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle Afternoon Tea
22 November 2024 1.30PM – 3.30PM
Lauriston Girls’ School
Join us for the enchanting Secret Garden Afternoon Tea, a special celebration honouring those who have generously included a Gift in their Will for Lauriston. Set in the lush beauty of our garden, this complimentary event features delectable treats, tea, and coffee, along with inspiring talks from guest speakers sharing their unique Lauriston experiences and the impact of their contributions. Enjoy this intimate gathering in the serene atmosphere of our Junior School Library garden while connecting with fellow supporters.
Bequests
Have you ever considered how you’d like to be remembered? It’s a profound question that touches upon the essence of our impact on the world. At Lauriston, we believe in leaving a legacy that transcends our time here, one that echoes in the lives of others long after we’re gone.
Leaving a Bequest or planned gift to Lauriston isn’t just about supporting our school, it’s about nurturing the values of community, excellence and compassion that define us. It’s about investing in the future of education and ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has the opportunity to thrive.
Imagine the joy of knowing that your contribution has helped shape the minds and hearts of future generations, empowering them to make a difference in the world. Whether it’s through enhancing educational resources, supporting innovative programs such as Howqua, or providing scholarships to deserving students, your gift has the power to transform lives.
It’s never too early to start thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind. By including Lauriston as a beneficiary in your Will, you’re not only securing the future of our school, but you’re also creating a lasting imprint of your values and beliefs.
Every gift, no matter the shape or amount, is deeply appreciated and cherished. Together we can make a difference, not just for today, but for the countless tomorrows yet to come.
To learn more about how your gift can make a positive impact here at Lauriston we recommend you watch our bequest impact video.
How to leave a bequest
Thank you for considering a Gift in your Will to Lauriston Girls’ School.
Lauriston welcomes bequests of all sizes. Every bequest is important and will contribute directly to the School’s sustainability and continued provision of exceptional education now, and into the future.
Funding Priorities
Scholarship Fund:
Your Bequest to the Lauriston Girls’ School Scholarship Fund enables students from various backgrounds to experience an education and achieve their full potential.
Building Fund:
The quality and scope of Lauriston’s School buildings, and other facilities continue to contribute to how we deliver world-class education to students.
Library Fund:
Lauriston’s libraries across the campus’ remain a central hub for students to research, learn and interact in purpose built facilities designed to engage.
Lauriston Foundation:
You are also welcome to leave Bequest to The Lauriston Foundation for general purposes.
Will Wording
Below you may find some helpful advice on:
- how to word your Will
- the types of gifts you can make
- the details of who to contact if you require further information or assistance
(Note the ‘X’ marks where your designated amounts of descriptions would be required as appropriate.)
I bequeath to Lauriston Girls’ School, 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, VIC 3143 the sum of $X
(or)
I bequeath to Lauriston Girls’ School, 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, VIC 3143 the sum of X% of my estate
(or)
I bequeath to Lauriston Girls’ School, 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, VIC 3143 X% of the residue of my estate
(or)
I bequeath my X {description of property or asset (s)} to Lauriston Girls’ School, 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, VIC 3143
‘Free of all charges to Lauriston Girls’ School, 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, VIC 3143 (ABN 93 250 982 468) to be used to general purposes and the official receipt of Lauriston Girls’ School will be sufficient acknowledgement of having received this gift’
Creating your own Will
If you wish to create your own Will, there are now a number of easy and affordable options online. Lauriston Girls’ School has partnered with Gathered Here to offer a Will free of charge to our parents, alumni and friends which you may like to consider.
Whom should I consult to write my will
Lauriston Girls’ School cannot provide legal advice so it is important to consult a Solicitor when writing your will. This will ensure that you observe all the necessary legal requirements so that your estate is appropriately disbursed according to your wishes. From time to time, legal regulations relating to both wills inclusion and exclusion are modified and your solicitor will be able to offer advice on such modifications.
Alternatively as mentioned, Gathered Here, a free online will writing service, has provided Lauriston Girls’ School with the opportunity to write your will for free, with free and unlimited updates of your Will for life. Gathered Here is Australia’s most trusted provider of Online Wills however, when considering your Bequest there is no obligation to utilise this service.
Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle
Once you have decided to leave a bequest to Lauriston Girls’ School, you will be invited to become a member of The Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle. The Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle was established in 2011 to honour benefactors who have chosen to support the School directly through a gift in their Will, and commemorates the legacy of Miss Kirkhope who strongly advocated for the continued growth and progression of girls’ education.
“The Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle of Giving will enable Lauriston to continue to provide an innovative education to young women in a contemporary learning environment. Our current Lauriston students will make their mark just as our past students have done, but they will be working in careers which may not yet have been established. The qualities and skills which they will need to demonstrate have synergies with those which Elizabeth Kirkhope believed were important. We are educating confident young women who have character. They have the ability to collaborate with others, to consider all aspects of a problem and find solutions, and to work their way through moral and intellectual challenges” (Susan Just)
The current Chair of the Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle is Alix Bradfield, a past Lauriston parent who has been an active member of the school community for nearly 50 years. Alix has served on the school’s Council for twelve years, six as Chair, and has seen a period of great change for Lauriston, including the opening of the Howqua campus in 1993. Her daughter, Sabina, graduated in 1988 and her two granddaughters are also past Lauriston students (Peer Years 2018, 2020 respectively).
Members of The Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle will share a unique bond and be part of a warm caring group of individuals who want to contribute to the future of the school and assist Lauriston continue to be one of Australia’s most prominent schools for girls and young women.
If you are comfortable advising us that you have included Lauriston in your will, please complete and return the Bequest Form. This assists the School in its planning for future developments for the buildings and facilities, scholarships and programs that are vital for sustaining the thriving learning environment for the current and future students.
“A bequest, even a modest one, can make a difference to the lives of girls in years to come. The precious gift of a Lauriston education, including the Howqua experience, will provide confidence and skills to women who will make significant contributions to our future society.
That gives me a happy feeling of making a difference myself!”
Alix Bradfield
If you have any questions or want further information about planning a gift, please contact Bequests Associate Abby Finn.
Email: finnab@lauriston.vic.edu.au Mobile: 0401 378 804
