I thoroughly enjoyed my six years of life at OLSH College. School was full of learning, fun and friendships, several of which I still cherish today. I was privileged to be Class Captain in years 7 to 10, SRC in year 11 and College Vice Captain in year 12 and this experience has been foundational in my leadership journey throughout my career.

I started my nursing career at Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1988 and have spent all my career in nursing or health-related roles. I have built a wealth of skills and experience in clinical, education, leadership and health management. I have held senior management roles in several public health services and as an Associate Director with KPMG. I am currently General Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing Services leading services and a large-scale transformational change program at Western Health. My love of learning has continued and I completed postgraduate and master’s degree qualifications in nursing. I sit on the Sacre Coeur Foundation Board, the Victorian Nurses and Midwives Trust and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Victorian Board).

As the second oldest of five girls who all went to OLSH, I loved our French convent school history and the opportunity to study the language. It has come in handy having a brother living in France.

My most amazing achievement in my life is my family. I am so proud and grateful to have an amazing partner in life Michael, four fantastic children, Anton, Isabella, Hugo and Philippa and a beautiful granddaughter Lottie.

My time at OLSH taught me the value of friendship, working hard, having fun and doing good for others. These are traits I carry through life and am proud to see engendered in my children. If OLSH students aspire to these values, I’m confident they will have a really full life. Work hard, aim high, be the person that you aspire to and have a lot of fun along the way!

After graduating in 1997, I studied Psychology at Monash University and then moved to Amsterdam for a year. After travelling in Europe, I moved back to Australia and returned to Monash University, studying Business. I did 'safe' jobs for a few years - working in marketing, administration and education, then applied for a working holiday visa for Canada and turned my whole life on its head. I snowboarded throughout Canada and the USA, hiked bear country, rafted glacial rivers and drove through mountain blizzards that I thought I wouldn't survive.

In 2013, I started an annual international theatre festival, attracting performers from all around North America and across Europe and kickstarting the careers of some up-and-coming artists. Performing at more festivals than I can count, from Berlin to Montreal to New York, I made lasting friendships with quirky, creative people from all around the world. Most recently, I was the Marketing Manager for GlobalFest, a non-profit multicultural and fireworks festival in Calgary. I have also started studying a Master of Business Administration.

The last few years of travel restrictions curtailed my adventures and made me very aware of the distance I have been from my loved ones in Melbourne. After a decade away and now a citizen of Canada, I made the decision to move home and take up a contract at Melbourne Museum as a Marketing Manager. I will soon be joining The Nature Conservancy to work on environmental protection and restoration projects.

My advice is to travel and live somewhere else if you are able to. Try experiences you might not like. Do things that scare you. Then you'll discover you are capable of achieving anything you set your sights on.

After graduating in 1999, I completed a Bachelor of Applied Arts at Monash University followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Art History at the University of Melbourne. I worked for Optus for a few years and used my earnings to produce jewellery in my studio, participating in exhibitions, and collaborating with old classmates and local artists.

In 2005, I started teaching resin jewellery and silicone mould making in-studio and at Holmesglen TAFE, in addition to my corporate job. I started working with a couple of fashion entrepreneurs on a fashion accessories label. Pivoting into fashion without a fashion degree or industry connections was daunting, but I was determined and focused. I studied Fashion Business at TAFE and sought internships that lead to opportunities with Australia’s biggest brand houses.

Rewind to 1999, the idea of working in the fashion industry would have seemed completely unattainable - we hardly saw any women of colour represented in media let alone leading in corporate roles in the fashion industry.

Fast forward to 2023, and I have been fortunate to have worked with Country Road Group, General Pants Group, Seafolly and now Retail Apparel Group in a range of product design, technical, buying and production roles.

My career has also taken me to Sydney where I have been for 10 years, something my younger self would never have envisioned!

My favourite memories from OLSH were spent during Art and Graphics classes with my friends, singing in the choir, learning the latest dance routines and adventures at school camps.

My advice to current students would be to encourage yourself like you would cheer on your best friend. It’s totally fine to not to have it all mapped out when you leave school. No experience is a wasted one, and there is always so much to gain and learn along the way.

After leaving OLSH College, I completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion and Nutrition) and then travelled to Fiji for 6 weeks to volunteer in a small remote village, returning just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

I knew vulnerable communities needed help now more than ever so I began volunteering with CHASE, a volunteer-led organisation that aims to empower and educate young people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds through health education and community engagement. This experience allowed me to apply and further develop skills learned in my degree and connect with my community.

In 2021 I began working as a Health Programs Support Officer at Better Health Company (BHCo), a health promotion organisation that develops and delivers a range of free healthy lifestyle programs around Australia. I then travelled for four months and in November last year started a new role at the company as the Relationship Manager, supporting the delivery of BHCo programs.

I often reflect on the quality of education and the ongoing support I received during high school, from my family, my peers and my teachers. I am so grateful to have such fond memories of my time at OLSH.

My advice to current students is to be empowered by whatever you do and in every aspect of life. Make choices that uphold your values and surround yourself with people who lift you up. At times it may feel like high school is all there is, but there is so much more after.

After leaving OLSH, I studied a double degree in Arts and Law at Monash University, majoring in Politics and Human Rights. As part of my Law degree, I did two placements at the Monash Law Clinics, a community legal centre providing free legal support and advice to the community. I also worked part time as a Paralegal at a personal injury law firm, working directly for the firm’s Principal and learning all about litigation.

With my humanities background, I decided to pursue a career in policy, and began studying my Masters in Public Policy in 2020 whilst completing my Bachelors’ degree. I completed an internship at dandolo partners, a policy consulting firm that works primarily for public sector clients across state and federal government. I loved the work and the ability to contribute to real government policy, so my supervisor encouraged me to apply for the Australian Government Generalist graduate stream.

I was successful in my application and accepted a graduate role with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for 2022. I moved to Canberra in January and am loving it!

I loved my time at OLSH! The teachers are incredibly devoted and passionate and I loved getting involved in different activities, like the Social Justice Club and ski trip.

The OLSH community is quite special; everyone really cares about you. The importance of helping others has definitely influenced my career path.

I encourage current students to study a language. I learnt Italian at OLSH and it was one of the best decisions. Being able to travel after school and immerse yourself in the local culture and language is really empowering.

It sounds cliché, but time really does fly! Enjoy being in secondary school and having the world as your oyster. It can be scary thinking of what comes next, but it’s exciting to try new things and figure out what you are passionate about. Say yes to the opportunities that come your way, because you don’t know where it will take you.

Lastly, it’s okay to not know what to do next. So many people change their minds and explore different pathways. Each experience offers something and your pathway will change, but that’s part of the fun.

Since graduating OLSH in 2010, I completed a double degree in Commerce and Arts before beginning my career in the public sector. Just shy of 7 years in the public service, I have been fortunate enough to gain experience across multiple sectors at a national and state level.

I have recently been appointed as the project manager for the Commonwealth Games at Department of Transport, in which I look forward to playing a key role contributing to major strategic decisions and supporting an integrated transport solution for all Victorians for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond.

Attending OLSH laid the foundation of who I am today and shaped my thinking, emotional intelligence and leadership skills. My time at OLSH made me incredibly passionate about working on projects that lead to positive social benefit and supporting and empowering women in the workplace.

As a mentor for the Women in Transport mentoring program, I am able to contribute to a culture of positive learning that supports the capability of women in transport and build momentum in the workplace by providing advice on developing leadership skills, goal setting and maintaining resilience.

I live in Bentleigh with my partner whom I met at the year 9 OLSH & St James social. We are currently renovating our second home together and foster greyhounds in our spare time.

My advice to current OLSH College students is to focus on growth and personal development, take risks where you can (at least calculated ones!) and be open to opportunities. Surround yourself with self-actualised people and don’t be afraid to ask for help or make mistakes. No need to find your confidence when you can create it!

I graduated from OLSH in 2010 and started an accounting cadetship while completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Monash. While at OLSH, I had come to the realisation that I was interested in pursuing a career in accounting or law. I decided to work in tax as that was the perfect combination of both law (tax law) and accounting. On completion of my Bachelor’s degree, I started working at Ernst & Young (EY) during which time I went on to obtain a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting.

In 2017, I decided that I wanted to move into industry and worked at an Australian tech company called Envato as their in-house tax advisor for a couple of years; and then as the tax accountant for the Bunnings Group for the last 3 years. I also completed a Master of Tax degree at the University of Melbourne in 2021 and will finally take a long break from studying for the first time since I started my schooling many years ago, as I embark on my next career adventure - as Senior Tax Specialist at a Swedish engineering company called Sandvik.

I have so many wonderful memories from my time at OLSH. I made some amazing friends, most of whom are still my best friends to this day. While at OLSH, I got involved in the debating team, the Amnesty International organisation, the St Vinnies Soup Van and so many other incredible opportunities. I visited Kiribati, Sydney (for World Youth Day), China, Vietnam and Cambodia (through World Challenge). It was at OLSH where I realised my love for travel and since then have had the opportunity to travel all around the world on my own and with friends – having some of the greatest experiences.

My only advice for current students would be to get involved with everything they can. We were so lucky at OLSH to be given so many opportunities and the friendships I made, the skills I obtained and the lessons I learned have allowed me to make the most of every new adventure I have embarked on over the last 12 years since I left OLSH.

My favourite subjects at school were geography, legal studies, PE and sport. I loved sport and was honoured to be voted College Sports Captain by my peers in Year 11. My involvement in sport gave me the chance to mix with girls in all year levels and several have become my best, and lifelong friends.

Sport taught me so much – how to connect with people, form close friendships, work as part of a team, practice persistence, resilience and so many more valuable life lessons. Since leaving OLSH, sport has continued to play a big part in my working and personal life.

I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Recreation) at Victoria Uni, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Sport Management. My first job out of uni was with Tennis Australia which was great fun, especially with lots of free tickets to the Australian Open and music concerts. I spent five years working with the Victorian Women’s Hockey Association before moving to my current role as Executive Officer of the Association of Coeducational Schools. I am responsible for leading the Associations interschool sports programs which are held amongst seven independent secondary schools. In my role I liaise with sports and government bodies, coordinate with principals and directors of sport, write policies and develop and implement the Association’s strategic plan.

My lifelong passion is travelling and exploring nature with friends. A highlight in my travels was trekking in Nepal to Mt Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. I love music and playing guitar – even performing in a cover band for a few years. Family and friends are what matter most to me and I love creating short videos celebrating their milestones. My daughter Lakshmi who is 28 now is the light of my life.

My advice for students is to live in the moment, don’t take yourself too seriously, find joy in the simple things, trust yourself and that everything will be ok.

OLSH College has given me my closest lifelong friends and I feel blessed to have had wonderful teachers and their guidance instilled values I still carry with me today, compassion, empathy, loyalty, discipline, joyfulness, friendship and kindness.

After leaving OLSH I commenced a career with Telstra in 1981 which spanned across 30 years. My first role was in Administration as a Clerical Assistant, delivering mail in the Computer Operations Branch. I moved into other roles including Computer and IT Support, Purchasing, Programming, Network Monitoring and finally ended my career as a Major Incident Manager.

My greatest passion was always to help others and be where God wanted me to be. I became an accredited Chaplain in 2012 doing work as a School and Hospital Chaplain. In 2019 I was contracted to assist in the Aged Care sector in Melbourne as a Pastoral Care Counsellor, supporting healthcare workers from interstate. I am currently working as a Chaplain in Villa Maria Catholic Homes in Mulgrave and as a Pastoral Care Counsellor at PACCAR in Bayswater who manufacture Kenworth Trucks. My parents live at VMCH Mulgrave so it is a privilege to work and support their community.

My fondest memories of OLSH were my sewing classes with Sr Leah, playing table tennis in the basement and science classes with Mr Liston. The greatest lesson for me was to respect one another and do the best you can even though at times I was a little rebellious.

I have travelled to over 30 countries around the world including doing volunteer work in the slums of Mumbai working with children in poverty. For my 60th birthday this year I completed a Holy Land Tour of Israel, a riverboat cruise on the River Nile and visited Petra in Jordan. I also attended the Passion Play in Oberammergau (Bavaria) which is held every 10 years to honour a pledge made to God since 1633 by the people.

I have been married to my husband Michael Finnigan for 30 years and have three children and will welcome my third grandchild early next year. I play the keyboard, guitar, netball with my two daughters and love motorbike rides with my husband on his Harley Davidson.

My advice to current students is learn new things everyday, travel and be curious and always be kind and compassionate to people you encounter.

When I left OLSH, it was clear to me that my career was in mental health and psychotherapy so I completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences at La Trobe University followed by Post Graduate Studies in Social Work at Melbourne University. At 23, I started my career in social services and for the next decade I took on roles including assisting Asylum Seekers in Greenwich in the United Kingdom, working for Oz Child in a Foster Care role in Dandenong and worked as an Intercountry Adoption Assessor and Report Writer for couples wanting to adopt. My advocacy for vulnerable children grew over this time and I was drawn to the complexity of family relationships and how entangled and distressing they can be.

I went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Couple and Family Therapy at Swinburne University and then set up Glen Eira Counselling in Elsternwick as Founder and Director Elsternwick in 2006. For the next 16 years I supported fellow female clinicians to balance their practice and family responsibilities.

My husband is a St James/St Bede’s alumni and we have three children – a son who is studying Business at Monash University and two daughters who are still at school. My fondest memories are times spent on the bus with teachers and students singing, pitching our tent after a day of hiking on our way to Uluru and our adventures in Coober Pedy. We loved to play cricket on the sports ground and enjoyed lunchtimes developing friendships.

I have been inspired by Sr Mary Ward who was an advocate for girls’ education and Sr Susan Shannon, an OLSH sister, has also been a wonderful influence in my life. My Mum has been an Associate of the Little Company of Mary at Bethlehem Hospital in Caulfield for 12 years and my sisters, Julie and Carmen are OLSH alumnae who still live the core values that underpin an OLSH education.

I acknowledge the past generations of women who were open minded and valued girls’ education, calling us to have the “Courage to fall. Trust to fly. Be Free to grow.”

After leaving OLSH College in 2002, I studied at Monash College and Monash University, graduating with a Diploma in Business (Commerce) and a Degree in Bachelor of Business and Commerce (majors in Accounting and Management). I went on to complete a Diploma in Australian Taxation Law and my Certified Practising Accountant qualification with CPA Australia.

I started my career as a Graduate Accountant in public practice in 2005 and have progressed through several roles in three accounting firms, leading me to my current position as Partner.

It was my career goal to be the first female Partner in my accounting firm and I was thrilled to achieve that last year.

Throughout my career, I have trained many accountants and have mentored people, sharing what I have learnt and assisting them with their development. I was a Finalist in the 2022 National Women in Finance awards in the area of mentoring.

I love the fact that my role is more than just crunching numbers and preparing financial statements. I have the opportunity to make a difference for clients through the advice I provide to them, by understanding their goals, working with them to plan for those goals and providing valuable, accurate advice. Over the years I have seen the value in explaining complicated concepts in plain language to empower my clients to make key decisions, and it is very fulfilling to see them achieve their goals.

I have been married for ten years and have two primary-school aged children. When I was at OLSH, I loved Textiles and continue to sew as a hobby, when time permits! I am a volunteer with CPA Australia on the Victorian Public Practice Committee and continue to mentor people in the industry.

As I reflect on my career and the decisions I’ve made, I’d advise current OLSH College students that the decisions you make now do not have to lock you in to a path for the future. There is more room for change and flexibility in careers these days and different pathways to the same sector. What does matter is that you enjoy what you are doing and that you’re challenged by what you do.

After graduating OLSH in 2011, I completed my Bachelor of Science at Monash University majoring in genetics and developmental biology. I was unsure of which direction to take next, so my partner and I took a gap year to travel. We backpacked across Europe for seven months, exposing ourselves to as many different cultures and experiences as possible. This adventure cemented a love of travel that has resulted in my now fiancé and I having visited over 50 countries across the world.

I returned to study, using my background in science combined with a desire to work in women’s health, which resulted in pursuing reproductive health. I completed my Graduate Diploma of Reproductive Science and Masters of Clinical Embryology at Monash University.

In 2018, I started my career as an Embryologist (IVF scientist) at Melbourne IVF. Most recently there has been a huge increase in the number of women coming through to freeze eggs. Although there are no certainties, there is a tremendous amount of fulfilment and joy associated with helping patients build their families. It is also extremely exciting to be working in an industry that is continuously evolving and at the forefront of modern science.

As a past OLSH School Captain, I have a sincere love of the College and value all the experiences I was afforded. Some of my best memories include Rock Eisteddfod, Duke of Edinburgh, World Challenge, playing in every inter-school sport team I could and of course, Hartzer winning every PAS! OLSH College is a place that will set you up with the skills to learn about the world and provide you with lifelong friends to experience it with.

My advice to current students is to truly learn what your passions are and take all opportunities presented to you. It’s important to study hard to give yourself the best opportunities but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything decided and remember to have fun. You will make mistakes, change your mind and explore different options but that is what makes it an adventure. Enjoy it!