Alumni connections

As a close-knit living community, St Hilda’s is connected across generations by the Communitas spirit. This family connection lives on in current students Toby Masters and Elise Taylor.

Toby, from Torquay, is studying a Bachelor of Science. He came to Hilda’s as a first year in 2020, and stayed for a second year in 2021. Toby has a deep family connection with Hilda’s. Both his Mum, Nicole Masters (PY 1991) and Dad, Anthony Masters (PY 1990) are alumni, as well as his aunties, Brooke Masters (PY 1994) and Naomi Brown (PY 1993). Toby says his family all look back fondly on their time at Hilda’s. His parents always emphasised that Hilda’s was a very talented sporting college, and this influenced Toby’s decision to continue the family tradition. Toby has loved this aspect of college, saying his favourite thing about Hilda’s is “having a whole college cheer your team on in a grand final – it’s an electric atmosphere.” Elise, from Melbourne, is also studying a Bachelor of Science. Her mum, Wendy Mattschoss (PY 1980), dad, Chesley Taylor (PY 1980) two aunties Debbie Mattschoss (PY 1975) and Wendy Taylor (PY 1981) and uncle, Graham Pitson (PY 1981) all attended St Hilda’s.

“My mum and dad have always told me that their college days were the best days of their lives,” she said.

Elise’s parents wanted all their children to have the same wonderful opportunities, and so their family tradition is continued. Elise is immensely proud of the sense of community that Hilda’s has retained after all these years. “Our motto, Communitas, really does give the best description of the community we have nurtured,” she said.

A parent’s perspective

“This year in particular, St Hilda’s College has become a place where long lasting friendships have blossomed, special occasions have been celebrated, and many varied opportunities provided, that have encouraged independence, resilience, and the camaraderie to get through tough times with kindness, laughter and the support of each other.“

Lisa Bailey (Georgie 2019-2021 and Tom 2016-2017)

“The decision to send our kids to live at St Hilda’s was simply the best. The wrap around support and inclusive, friendly atmosphere was what drove both our young adults to choose Hilda’s, and they have thrived. The challenges in transitioning from living at home and attending a small high school in a remote area of the NT, to navigating the vast and impersonal behemoth that is university, has been entirely mitigated through the care and support of St Hilda’s staff. My young adults have made excellent friends at college, found kindred spirits who share their interests, and are well placed to continue their journeys to adulthood. I would highly recommend Hilda’s to any parent looking for a great community to augment their child’s university life. Thank you all so much.” Megan and Andrew Pickering (Bryn 2019 and Charlotte 2020)

“As a father, St Hilda’s College did make me proud of my sons’ achievements. St Hilda’s taught me to be grateful. I am so grateful that St Hilda’s provided the frame onto which all our son’s decisions could be made. When to go hard, when to pull back, when to commit for others benefits. When to stand your ground, sometimes in the minority, and how to come to grips with the big picture. Academic learning in Australia has changed fundamentally, leaving a void in the learning and developments needs of our young leaders. St Hilda’s helps fill the void. They provide the pastoral care, mentoring, sport, outdoor opportunities, and academic support that is simply not available to the day students. I am forever grateful to St Hilda’s for the opportunities offered to our son. I am even more grateful that he grabbed them with both hands.” Dr Mark Garkaklis (Alec 2018-2020)

The Baileys