Our Alumni

Sam Ross (née Michaelson) Class of 1984

An excerpt from my Year 12 School Report: “This girl is destined to spend a number of years in a state institution; whether that turns out to be a university or a prison remains to be seen.” Thank you to my History Teacher for that vote of confidence. At my 35-Year Reunion, I looked around as we whooped at the yellow 1980’s sports uniform that had been set out for our horrified amusement, and wondered: when exactly did we turn into grown-ups? Seriously, when did we turn into more-orless-respectable professional adults? Some credit must go to the ethos of expectation that permeated Ivanhoe Girls’.

It was during my Honours year in the Biochemistry school at The University of Melbourne that an unsuspected aptitude for bench research emerged (nobody was more surprised than me). A PhD in Protein Biochemistry followed. I’m now a Senior Defence Scientist with a 30-plus year research career in Chemical-Biological Defence Science, with oversight of a Bio-Sciences lab. (18 Year Old me certainly never saw that coming.) Highlights include being on security for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, riding in helicopters older than me, and the occasions when I am called upon to pretend to be a terrorist. Today, I spend more time than I like flying a desk, but occasionally I do still sneak back into the lab. At 20 I discovered motorcycles, and they remain my preferred transport. In 2017 I completed The Long Ride, a Defence men’s health fundraiser motorcycle tour around Tasmania. At age 52 I discovered a love of skiing. In March 2020 (before COVID-19 hit) I skied powder for the first time in Canada; the scenery (and the falls) were truly spectacular. What next? I hope for more study, more travel, maybe even another bike or two. I might even see you on the slopes. All while keeping myself more-or-less respectable, of course. I'd hate to disappoint my History Teacher

For this past student, a desire to reignite her creativity has inspired her to reach out to other Ivanhoe Girls' Alumni and connect through a passion for the Arts.

I was an avid performer during my time at Ivanhoe Girls’, and starred in every theatre production I could, from Romeo and Juliet to Away. My favourite performance was Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street. I went on to study Performing Arts at Monash University. During this time I was active in the Melbourne arts scene, but after landing my first corporate role, my dedication to live theatre gradually dwindled. A few years passed and I longed to be a part of a theatre group again but I found I could not commit to the rehearsal hours. Instead, I searched around for a short course, but nothing seemed to fit into my full schedule. Then, in perfect synchronicity, in 2020, I received an invitation from Ivanhoe Girls' Alumni, asking how I’d like to be more involved with the School. I decided to pitch my idea of a “Lost Arts Club” and it was received with warm enthusiasm. Today, The Lost Arts Club is for creative souls who find themselves unintentionally disconnected from their passion for the arts. The purpose of the Club is to have a friendly and supportive space to explore our creativity and imagination; away from life’s daily pressures that can cause stress and a lack of confidence. Art can cure feelings of distraction, demotivation, and the mundane. We invite members to explore whether it be singing, painting, theatre, or music... we’re into it all! The Lost Arts Club is excited to launch our upcoming calendar of events in this edition of Lux Mea. Visit the Lost Arts Group at www.ivanhoegirlsalumni.com.au to see a list of events, register and RSVP. Please submit any workshop suggestions or queries as a comment on the Lost Arts Club Group in the Alumni portal. We welcome all artists at every skill level - I’m really looking forward to getting creative with all my Ivanhoe Gals again! Let's have some fun!