2024 - Edition 1
We’ve had a very busy start to 2024!
At our AGM in March, myself, Kate Taylor (Secretary) and Alice Spies (Treasurer) were re-elected, along with Judy Sheehan (Class of 1971) and new committee member Venny Sarmiento (nee Ikonomou, Class of 1988). We look forward to serving our community in the year ahead.
There’s already been three very successful reunions for the Classes of 1974 (50 years), 1984 (30 years) and 1994 (20 years). It was our biggest reunion tour day yet and a lot of fun. Enjoy the photos of their return to the College.
And there’s still three reunions to come –
20 years for MSM Class of 2004 on Saturday 5 October. Book here
10 years for MSM Alumni - Class of 2014 on Saturday 2 November. Book here
And after the success of last year, we’ll be holding another “vintage alumni” light luncheon on Friday 8 November for those who finished school 50+ years ago. Book here
We’ve already started contacting alumni with milestone reunions in 2025, which is the centenary year of the Sisters of Charity and education at the Mt St Michael’s campus. If you’re in one of those cohorts, please check for your Facebook group below. We’ll also welcome back the Class of 2020 for a 5 year reunion. More details to come about our Back to MSM day – but block out Saturday 22 March in your calendar now.
The IWD High Tea Alumni guest speaker this year was Katerini Manolatos (Class of 1996). Katerini has enjoyed over 20 years as a vocal coach and music therapist. One of the messages she shared was “Do what makes your heart sing. Do what you love!” and she clearly is!
In this edition, you’ll also read about alumni who’ve returned to the College to speak with current students about their careers. This is an area we’d like to grow, so please fill out MSM Alumni Inc - Keep In Touch so we can contact you to be involved. In fact, scroll down to see an added incentive for updating your details.
It was an honour to represent the Class of 1986 at the blessing of hearts for the Light the Way legacy wall. Our cohort purchased two hearts in memory of classmates we’ve lost. If you’d like to organise a similar tribute, please email alumni@msm.qld.edu.au.
I hope you enjoy this edition of Fide et Amore – please share it around.
Yours In Faith And Love,
Anne O’Keeffe (Class of 1986)
President
At our Term 3 “Welcome Back” Assembly, I was excited to launch our centenary logo. Planning is well underway for celebrations in 2025 with a number of special events planned and you will find some date claimers in this edition of “Fide et Amore”. I would like to express my gratitude to Anne O’Keeffe for the wonderful work she is doing in reaching out to our past students and encouraging them to reconnect with the College. We would love to have you involved in our centenary festivities next year. One of our projects is the production of a book, which will share our stories of our 100 years.
I am delighted to share that during the June/July holidays, we received the news that our Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application was approved by the State Government. The major project involves the construction of a new Learning Centre comprising a library, a presentation space and four general learning areas as well as the College’s administration. This will allow the College to repurpose some existing buildings, including the heritage-listed Grantuly house (the College’s current administration building). The project is about creating contemporary, flexible facilities to provide better educational outcomes for our existing enrolment cap of 900. We had hoped that this building would be ready for our centenary in 2025, but an opening in 2026 is most likely more realistic.
With our Year 5 students commencing in 2025, a new chapter in the life of MSM begins as we celebrate 100 years of “In Faith and Love”.
Fide et Amore
Sharon Volp
Principal
As we approach out Centenary year, we take the opportunity to share with you some important date claimers:
Saturday 22 March 2025 - 'Back to MSM' Reunion Day
Friday 25 July 2025 - Mt St Michael's College Centenary Mass
Saturday 26 July 2025 - Mt St Michael's College Centenary Gala Event
The various choirs of MSM have warmed hearts for many decades. As we approach our Centenary Year in 2025, we welcome expressions of interest from Alumni who have a passion for singing and performing to join the Centenary Past Pupils' Choir. If you are interested in knowing more, please email alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
Can you help contribute to our Centenary celebrations?
We are calling on the wonderful network of MSM Alumni to share your talents or expertise. The College is looking for masters of ceremonies, musicians and live acts as well as services including florists, cake suppliers, photographers and more. If you have something to offer, we would love to hear from you. Contact alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
SHARE YOUR STORY
As we prepare to celebrate the College’s Centenary in 2025, we invite all members of our community, past and present to share in the stories that celebrate our rich past, delight in the present and imagine the possibilities that await.
Journey with us to mark our rich history and traditions, honouring each and every person who has walked the Mt St Michael’s College path in Faith and Love.
We invite all current and former students, staff and families of Mt St Michael’s to share your story or your favourite or lasting memory of Mt St Michael’s College for consideration in our Centenary History Book – 100 Voices in Faith and Love.
Please submit your story and image/s . A selection of stories will be published on our website and shared in our history book.
We look forward to unveiling our Centenary History Timeline soon.
Have you a new email, changed jobs/career or living abroad? Make sure that your details are up-to-date so that we can keep you informed about reunions, events and more.
Send in your Keep in Touch form to go into the draw to WIN 1 of 6 fuel vouchers.
All KIT forms received between Thursday 11 September 2024 and Thursday 28 November will go into the draw. Entries close midnight Thursday 28 November with the winners drawn on Friday 29 November at 10am AEST.
Class of 2004
After MSM, I trained as an actor, graduating with distinction with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts – Acting degree from the University of Southern Queensland. My play, The Day the Galaxy Inevitably Exploded and Died, was shortlisted in Queensland Theatre Company’s Young Playwright’s Program. I produced and performed in the play as part of Backbone Youth Arts’ 2high Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse and the Sydney Fringe Festival where it was nominated for the Best of Theatre Award.
I moved to Sydney, where I toured in Bell Shakespeare’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and their multi-award-winning production of Henry V. I also performed in A Man with Five Children for Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Babes in the Woods for Redline Productions/Don’t Look Away, among others. I received a Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship for acting which enabled me to train at the Atlantic Acting School in New York, The Second City in Chicago, and Bramon Garcia Braun in Los Angeles.
I then wrote, produced, directed, and starred in my debut feature film Marley, Someone, which won the Audience Choice Award at the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival, was a Semi-Finalist at the Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift, and made the official selection at the Vancouver Independent Film Festival.
In 2017, I moved to Vancouver, Canada to pursue more film and TV roles. I have been cast in Alaska Daily (ABC) alongside Hilary Swank, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC) alongside Skylar Astin, as well as Lost in Space (Netflix), and Deadly Class (Syfy), among others. I also worked my way up from a production assistant to producer’s assistant, script & clearance coordinator to finally, a TV writer. I was a Netflix/Banff Diversity of Voices Initiative participant where I pitched my television series at the Banff World Media Festival. Now I work as a staff writer on Netflix’s hit romance drama, Virgin River and have been the writer on set for my episodes, working with the showrunner, cast, producers, directors, and crew.
I truly valued my time at MSM and am grateful to the staff and students. The spirit of the college nurtured my creative and academic aspirations and imbued me with the passion and confidence to pursue my ambitions. I am happy to say my closest friends to this day are the ones I had at MSM.
Shelley Roy (nee Ormes) - Class of 1991
Given it's an Olympic year, Shelley's former classmates reached out to let us know that she had competed for Australia in Handball at the 2000 Olympic Games. Here's what Shelley has been up to recently.
I look back fondly on my time at Mt St Michael’s. I played volleyball and was on the tennis team but probably the most pivotal decision of my life came when I joined the handball team, thanks to my classmate, Sally Fordham. She had moved up from Sydney and bought the game to school. I played on the school team and then made the state team along with some other classmates. I continued playing throughout high school, not knowing that it was an Olympic sport but just loving the game. When Sydney was announced as the host for the 2000 Olympics Games, I made the Australian squad. I continued to train and play with the Australian squad in the lead up to the games. Finally, the announcement was made in May 2000, that I had made the Olympic team. The experience was simply incredible, from the opening ceremony to playing against the best in the world. I continue to be a part of the Olympic family and was invited to the reception to reveal the Australian flag bearer for the Paris Olympics. I now live in Aspen, Colorado with my husband and two teenage girls and enjoy skiing, mountain biking and triathlons.
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games came to a close, we reflected on the success of MSM Alumni Meg Harris in the pool and the excitement that radiated through MSM.
The College had the opportunity to commend Meg on her achievements both during a live cross with Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on Channel 9’s Paris Olympics coverage following Meg’s silver medal performance in the 50m Freestyle and with a profound applause during our whole school assembly.
We congratulate Meg on her remarkable achievements at the Paris Olympic Games.
Women's 4x100m Freestyle Relay
Women's 50m Freestyle Women's 4x100m Medley RelayThe College looks forward to welcoming Meg as their guest at the 2024 Sports Celebration Breakfast.
Brisbane-based performers Katerini Manolatos (MSM Alumni - Class of 1995) and Mel Lathouras will traverse the world of music icon Nana Mouskouri, in the brand-new concert The Girl from Greece – A Tribute to Nana Mouskouri on Friday 11 October 2024 in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Cremorne Theatre.
During this special tribute concert, be transported back to another time as Katerini and Mel, accompanied by a seven-piece band featuring two bouzoukia, take you on a journey through Nana’s greatest hits and Greek favourites. Relive songs such as “The White Rose of Athens”, “Over and Over”, “Turn on the Sun”, “Enas Mythos” plus many more, and pay homage to this generous and humble artist.
Read more on this fabulous tribute concert, performed by MSM Alumni, Katerini here.
For tickets, visit https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/the-girl-from-greece
Congratulations to Chloe Eastman (Class of 2015) who appeared in Issue 121 of Frankie Magazine as she describes the ins and outs of the mortuary biz. Read the article here.
Keep the news coming! Whether it’s special news from an Alumni, reunion updates or something you would like to see featured in our Alumni newsletter – we’d love to hear from you! Email: alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
Year 12 Study of Religion students are analysing perspectives within world religions that influence adherents’ responses to ethical issues. They attended a session with alumna, Kobie Clay (Class of 1997), who shared with them how a range of influences and experiences have shaped her Catholic faith and, in turn, her practice as a palliative care nurse deeply engaged in the ethics of life and death. Kobie’s presentation was challenging and thought-provoking, reminding students to foreground the value of human life and prioritise kindness and compassion in all interactions.
CAREER INFORMATION SESSION
MSM Year 11 students had the pleasure of hearing from accomplished Alumni, Grace Egan (Class of 2015) and Hannah Ashford (Class of 2007) during their Career Information Session. Grace, a Physical and Financial Trader at Shell Global shared her experience in her trading career and emphasised the incredible opportunities available for young women in STEM as a vital importance of women’s representation in the transformative finance sector.
Hannah, who works in International Law & Space Diplomacy shared her career journey to where she is today as a non-profit director and lawyer working to promote the cooperative potentials and positive uses of space technologies for life on Earth. Hannah enlightened students on her role where she interfaces with the major space agencies, companies and initiatives of the world, including NASA, and provides recommendations to various forums including the United Nations. She spoke about the importance of problem-solving and advocacy skills as well as the need to be curious to succeed.
Both Grace and Hannah had fantastic messages for our Year 11 students, and we thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their career journeys and valuable advice.
Career Conversations Breakfast with MSM Alumni
On Friday 12 July MSM Alumni from various career fields including architecture, law, nursing, psychology, project management, marketing and communications, environmental management, IT and business services presented to current MSM students and their parents and caregivers at our annual MSM Foundation Career Conversations Breakfast. Students and families were able to converse with the MSM Alumni about the wide range of pathways they have followed since graduating from the College. The diversity in careers allowed current MSM students to reflect on their academic journey so far and consider what the next few years could look like. Our sincerest thanks must go to the alumni who so generously gave of their time to join us for the morning.
What is the Career Conversations Breakfast?
The College in partnership with the MSM Alumni Inc launched this event in 2023 with the aim of connecting our past students with our current students. The concept of the event is a mentoring Career Speed Networking format where we welcome you, our Alumni to share your valuable insight for your chosen industry with our current students. The event involves tables set up for our students (and their accompanying parents) and an alumni at each table for a set time (approximately 5 – 10 minutes) before a bell sounds prompting a rotation of alumni from table to table around the room for the duration of the breakfast.
We look forward to hosting this event in 2025 and we welcome interested speakers to reach out via alumni@msm.qld.edu.au.
The Class of 1974 (Junior 1972) gathered at the College to celebrate their 40 year reunion. The graduates who attended enjoyed an afternoon of celebration and reminiscing during their tour followed by a gathering at Café 63.
The Class of 1984 celebrated their 40 year reunion. The graduates celebrated with a Tour of the college and followed on with a wonderful catch up at Thai on Grove.
The class of 1994 celebrated their 30 year reunion with College tour and a gathering at Thai on Grove, Ashgrove.
Milestone Reunions in 2024
If you graduated in 1964, 2004 or 2014 you are celebrating a decade-milestone this year! Find out what is happening for your year level!
Alumni Class of 1964, join us at the College for our 50+ years 'Vintage Luncheon' on Friday 8 November from 11:30 - 1:30pm. Bookings are essential for catering purposes.
BOOK NOW!
Find out more and reconnect with your graduating class today!
Alumni Class of 2004, join your fellow Alumni at The Woods Bar at Mitchelton on Saturday 5 October from 7pm to celebrate this milestone. Bookings are essential.
BOOK NOW!
Find out more and reconnect with your graduating class today!
Alumni Class of 2014, join your fellow Alumni at The Osbourne Hotel on Saturday 2 November from 2pm to celebrate this milestone. Bookings are essential.
BOOK NOW!
Find out more and reconnect with your graduating class today!
Milestone Reunions in 2025
If you graduated in 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 or 2015 you are celebrating a decade-milestone in 2025 - our Centenary year! Join us on Saturday 22 March 2025 for our 'Back to MSM' Reunion Day. More details to follow.
Reunions are a fantastic way to reconnect with your Mt St Michael’s College classmates. When was the last time you made your way back to Mt St Michael’s College? Last year? Last decade? Not since graduation? Although your school years may be far behind, the friendships that began at MSM still remain, or are waiting to be rediscovered.
Stay up-to-date with details of this special celebration. Join the MSM Alumni community: https://www.facebook.com/MtStMichaelsCollegeAlumni
We warmly invite you to join us at our Alumni meetings held at 6pm in the Chapel, Mary Aikenhead Building, MSM.
Please find a list of our 2024 meeting dates below:
Monday 30 September
Monday 18 November
Principal's Honours Assembly
Earlier this year, we were delighted to welcome back to Mt St Michael’s our 2023 MSM Honour Students, to present them with their ‘Principal’s Honour Award’, for their excellence in achievement and commitment to their studies in their chosen pathway; either ATAR or Vocational Education. These graduates have truly demonstrated Competence, Confidence, Compassion, Conscience and Commitment throughout their educational journey, and we were proud to acknowledge their achievements at our annual Honours Assembly.
Charlie Marcus, 2023 Dux of the College in her address expressed her gratitude, thanking the dedicated teachers at MSM who guided her through her goals and the obstacles encountered throughout her academic journey. Charlie looks forward to studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering at UQ. A special thank you to our Honour Students who addressed the audience and shared their own reflections on their journey to excellence.
International Women's Day High Tea
What an incredible afternoon we had at our 2024 MSM Foundation IWD High Tea - a celebration of women in our community and globally. Our MSM students and their mothers/caregivers gathered for a delectable high tea and enjoyed an alluring performance from the MSM Senior Strings. This year we were joined by MSM Alumni, Katerini Manolatos (Class of 1996) as our guest speaker. Katerini is a Registered Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, Vocalist and Vocal Coach and fondly recalled her days performing and singing at MSM. We were treated to a wonderful presentation by Katerini who delved into her journey to success, offered words of advice including to ‘take a moment’ and ‘follow the thread’, and shared her remarkable voice with the audience.
The College thanked and acknowledged the ongoing support of the MSM Alumni for the generous donation of the delicious cookies shared at the event. MSM Alumni Treasurer, Alice Spies (Class of 2011) introduced Katerini and delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all guests present, including Jonty Bush MP and members of the MSM College Board. A wonderful afternoon was shared by all!
In 2024, Mt St Michael's College is working in partnership with the Sisters of Charity Foundation, established in 2009 to continue the charitable works of the Sisters in Australia, and the Salvation Army to address the issue of modern slavery in Australia. Funds raised through our major fundraising project "Raise the Roof" will be used by the Sisters of Charity Foundation to help to liberate one person living in Australia from modern slavery.
Read more about the College's Project "Raise the Roof" in The Catholic Leader feature below.
MSM won the CaSSSA Percentage Cup for the sixth consecutive year. The outstanding results achieved in each age group is testament to the sheer hard work, grit and determination shown by the MSM Cross Country team all season. #MSMProud
CaSSSA Percentage Cup ChampionsCaSSSA Aggregate Cup – Runners Up12 years – 1st Champions13 years – 2nd14 years – 2nd15 years – 1st Champions
16 years – 5th17+ years – 2nd
On Friday 26 July, the College community celebrated Mary Aikenhead Day. Celebrations commenced with a beautiful Mass, presided over by Fr Gerry Kalinowski. At this Mass, we were blessed to be joined by a number of special guests and several of the Sisters, who are always so welcome in our community.
Congratulations to Ms Paege Bellett and Ms Francene Power who were presented with their 10 years of service award.
Congratulations to Ms Ellen Bow on 20 years of service.
Special congratulations to Mr Marc Beavon for his 25 years of service award.
The College community also congratulated Principal, Ms Sharon Volp on receiving an award recognising her 15 Years’ Meritorious Service as a Catholic Principal, presented at the Catholic Secondary Principal’s Association (CaSPA) National Conference in Perth. Trustee of Mary Aikenhead Ministries Professor Michael Drew presented Sharon with her award, and MAEL Ministry Leader Peter Kelly paid tribute to her exemplary service, vision, humility, and deep, abiding commitment to the values of Mary Aikenhead Education.
Every member of the Mt St Michael’s community, past and present is invited to purchase a heart on our Light the Wall Legacy Wall and help us light the way for future generations.
Our Light the Way wall will proudly recognise past or present students, celebrate a graduate, commemorate your family or a loved one and leave a legacy for years to come. This beautiful art installation will remind us that the future is bright at MSM.
All heart purchases are a tax-deductible donation to the Mt St Michael’s College Foundation and the funds will be used to support the continued advancement of buildings for future generations of the College.
Click here to secure a permanent spot on our Light the Way Legacy Wall.
Don't forget to spread the word to fellow MSM Alumni. Forward our Keep in Touch form to an Alumni friend!
2025
Year 5 - Waitlist Open. APPLY NOW
Year 7 – Waitlist closed. Waitlisted applications will be reviewed mid 2024.
2026
Year 5 – Accepting applications. APPLY NOW
Year 7 – Waitlist Closed. Waitlist applications will be reviewed mid 2024.
2027
Year 5 – Accepting applications. APPLY NOW
Year 7 – Applications closed.
2028 and beyond
Year 5 & 7 - Accepting Applications. APPLY NOW
Incorporation Number: IA34417
Our mailing address is:
Mt St Michael's College Alumni Inc
Mt St Michael's College
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
