The Manolatos sisters (Katerini, Areti and Anna) all attended MSM from 1992 through until 2000. In 1996 all three girls were at the school together, Katerini in her final year, Areti in 10 and youngest Anna in her first year. They all pursued creative avenues at school, all being members of the concert band and choirs, Anna in art club and Areti in home economics/tafe extension while at MSM. They have all gone on to continue in the creative arts in food, art and music and we a proud to share their stories below.
 
Katerini Manolatos (Class of 1996)
I’m the eldest of the Manolatos girls and I’m a Registered Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, Vocalist, Vocal coach, wife, mother as well as volunteer and am on a few committees in my spare time.  I went to university at the QLD Conservatorium of Music where I studied Classical Voice and Opera.  I then did a Masters degree in Music Therapy at the University of QLD.  I lived in  Cairns for over 15 years and worked as a vocal coach for most of my time as well as performing, working as a music therapist and enjoying the outdoors.  I have worked as a music therapist in so many different settings from Aged care, hospital settings, juvenile justice, child safety, neurologic rehabilitation, to name a few.  I’m active in the Brisbane music scene as a vocalist and as a founding member of the production company Girl from Greece and founding member of the Brisbane Greek choir Ellinikes Fones. 

The music and performing arts program was just developing when I was at school but I took every opportunity I could being a part of the show choir, rock Eisteddfod, concert band and taking piano and euphonium lessons at school.  In my senior years I attended the young Conservatorium program studying voice, theory and being a part of the Conservatorium Youth choir. 
Just want to mention Ms Porter for all her support during my school years and Ms Mole my Senior Ancient History teacher who taught me how to write a solid paper.  Honestly every report and thesis I've ever written can be traced back to her. 
 
In my spare time I love traveling, spending time with family and friends and eating and cooking.
 
Areti Ingram (née Manolatos) (Class of 1998)
After high school I started an apprenticeship in hospitality in commercial cookery. In my second year I took 6 months off and backpacked around Europe. On my return I completed my apprenticeship at Daniel's Steak and Seafood, Il Centro and the Brisbane Polo Club. After meeting my husband in 2007 we then spent the next 4 years travelling the world living and working in New Zealand, Greece and Scotland. In 2008 I won the award of best Breakfast Chef whilst working at the Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh as their Head Chef. In 2009 I became the Head Chef of the Wellington Victoria University catering for 400 live in international students. Moving back to Australia in 2012 I moved up to Far North Queensland becoming the Head Chef of The King Reef Resort. I am now living locally in Brisbane with my husband and two sons continuing to work in the hospitality industry.

Anna Manolatos (Class of 2000)
During my time at MSM from 1996-2000, you could probably have found me in the Sophia Center art, design, and creative classes. I loved every bit of it; MSM truly encouraged my creativity, and I looked forward to coming to school every day. However, deciding on a career path after school felt challenging. Back then, my dream was all about being this famous artist living a lavish life in the south of Spain. Reality check: gotta study first, nuts!

Fortunately, my insightful mother steered me towards Graphic Design, and I was accepted into QCA's Bachelor of Visual Arts program. I really found my people there, and this turned out to be a pivotal moment as the course opened my eyes to a plethora of creative possibilities that I had never considered before.

I've always had this penchant for travel, thanks to my Greek upbringing. Our parents had us exploring different places, embracing cultures, and sparking our creativity. In my last uni year, I jumped on a plane and went on an exchange at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Canada. Turns out, I hit the sweet spot where illustration meets design. My grand plan of a lavish art life in Spain took a detour to Barcelona for an art residency. Here is where I really started to feel like I could balance this life of design and art, finding my space in Mural work and falling in love with the practice.

Even as my career in design was going well, I kept the side of me that I really enjoyed, which was the arts. I guess I couldn’t let it go; once it's in you, it stays.

Since graduating from university in 2005, I have been lucky enough to exhibit my work nationally and internationally and contribute to street art festivals across Queensland. At the end of 2019, I held my seventh solo show ‘The Space Between’ at M2 Gallery in Sydney. These days, I'm currently living in Abu Dhabi, working as a Creative Director at Slash Design studio, while my other side is represented by "the illustration room" in Australia.

What I didn't realize then, but MSM was the perfect foundation for me to continue and pursue a career in the arts; it was the creative kickstarter that has been fueling me all along.

The Class of 2003 gathered at Darling & Co in Paddington on Saturday 7 October to celebrate their 20 year milestone. 

MSM Alumni Present to Year 11 Students

On Friday 9 June MSM Year 11 students enjoyed hearing from accomplished MSM Alumni, Rebecca Treston, KC (Class of 1983) and Madeline Eaves (Class of 2008) during our Career Information Session. Rebecca, a leading Queensland Barrister provided students with valuable advice on choosing a post-schooling pathway and career opportunities in the legal sector. Rebecca shared how she worked as a solicitor for 5 years before being called to the Bar in 1996. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013 and in November 2018 became the first female President of the Bar Association of Queensland. 

Madeline, a current Clinical Nurse delighted students with her journey following graduating at MSM. Whilst studying her nursing degree, she spent time travelling the world both volunteering and working. Today Madeline balances full time work whilst studying her post graduate law degree.  

We thank Rebecca and Madeline for their insightful presentations.