Old Lauristonians’ Association report

Anna Wilson (OL 1990) President

With our community front of mind, the Old Lauristonian Association began 2022 with a committee strategy session that allowed us to reflect on our achievements, our learnings through COVID and the needs of our community.

Aligning ourselves with the School and the Foundation while maintaining our independence, we recognised the real need to focus our energies toward our youngest OLs. These young women, both current year 12’s and those 2-5 years post walking through the Huntingtower gates for the last time, have been forced to live the adjectives of ‘unprecedented’, ‘new normal’, ‘pivot’, ‘adapt and overcome’ to mention a few.

We knew we needed to do more to truly support this section of the OLA community.

The OLA Committee provided funding to assist with the running of 2 key events. The Annual Lauriston Luncheon at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club for 50+ year out alumnae held in October 2022, and the networking event, exclusive to Old Lauristonians, at the Lyceum Club held on 18 May 2023. We were also proud of the Old Lauristonians who took part in the Student Futures program at the School, participating in the online webinars throughout April and May and attending the Year 12 breakfast on 24 May 2023 to provide industry-specific advice and guidance to Year 12 students.

We were thrilled with a robust attendance from Old Lauristonians at the Huntingtower Luncheon held at the Glasshouse in September 2022 and were proud that Kit Willow (OL 1993) was the keynote speaker, speaking warmly of her time as a student at Lauriston

The OLA Fellowship continued for the second year in a row with great interest resulting in an increase in applications. Not only did this process uncover some incredible OLs and their careers we discovered the inspiring Stephanie Parsons who is successful recipient of the 2022 OLA Fellowship. Speaking to a packed Irving Hall Steph gave one of the most engaging, honest, amusing, and empowering speeches to our Valedictorians and their parents. As each Valedictorian left the hall for the last time that day wearing a beautiful ring gifted by the OLA and School it again highlighted to me that community really is everything.

The OLA committee continue to work closely with the school on several new and existing initiatives. Reunions and luncheons are a highlight of being an OL of any age and we are thrilled to see the numbers continue to increase at face-to-face events during 2022. Special mention must be made of the OLs lead by Amanda Allen who played in the 94th Inter School Golf Challenge Cup representing the Old Lauristonian community well. We are all looking forward to welcoming many OLs to the 30-year “Back to Howqua event on October 15th.

The OLA committee structure remains robust with members completing their 3-year terms of service. We will welcome new members at the 2023 AGM.

As my girls enter their senior years of school at Lauriston, I can see how the OLA is relevant, how we can keep evolving and what it will mean to them and their peers in the coming years.

As they prepare to farewell Lauriston and the community that has supported them for so many years it makes me very proud to know that they will be joining another strong community of over 6,000 OLs scattered across the globe.

As an Old Lauristonian of any age we are forever bonded by our shared experience of education at Lauriston Girls’ School. In the years after school, it is our OLA committee that will continue to support and connect each of us while remaining relevant to all. The special bond we all share with Lauriston means two communities are working together for the betterment of its members, so we remain a school for life.