A rising star at Clonard

Baby on beach tragedy mum recalled

THE Geelong-raised 23-yearold mother whose ninemonth-old daughter’s body was found on a Surfers Paradise beach was a leader and “well-respected student” during her time at Clonard College.

Her 48-year-old boyfriend — the baby’s father — yesterday faced court charged with murder. Police allege he threw the baby into the harbour at the mouth of the Tweed River at the weekend, claiming the infant was possessed by demons.

The young woman’s former school yesterday said it intended to reach out to the “much loved” student’s family to offer support.

The woman cannot named for legal reasons.

She attended the secondary school for six years.

Newsletters published by Clonard College say she competed in triathlons, badminton, be hockey and swimming representing the school.

A newsletter says that she won a school talent quest, “singing her own composition about Brigidine Day”, an annual celebration at the Catholic school.

In a another edition, she was congratulated by a studio arts teacher for being selected to show their artwork in the Geelong Top Arts Exhibition following Year 12 studio arts.

A statement from Clonard College said the school had “become aware of the tragic circumstances concerning” the former student.

Principal Damian McKew said the woman “was a much loved and well-respected student”.

A former teacher from Clonard College described the star pupil in glowing terms, according to The Australian.

“She was a gorgeous kid. As far as I can remember, there were certainly no family issues when she was at school,” the teacher said.

The woman grew up on a large Lara property, and reportedly studied a Bachelor of Psychology Services at Deakin University before moving to Queensland for her studies four years ago.

The woman and her boyfriend had been living rough in parks on the Gold Coast.

A woman, who lives in her Kombi van and visits Tweed Heads regularly, said she recently gave the couple money for nappies and food.

“She met him up here in Surfers. I think they’ve been together for about three or four years and the family have tried to get her away from him,” Ms Greenside said.

The case will return to court on February 25 for a mention.

“... a much loved and well-respected student.” CLONARD PRINCIPAL DAMIAN McKEW