OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

Iwould like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members of the Old Girls’ Association (OGA), the Class of 2022! We look forward to observing and supporting your journeys as you venture beyond the gates of St Mary’s as Old Girls. While we are busy planning a wonderful program of Old Girl activities for 2023, it would be remiss of me not to mention some highlights from last year.

Our St Mary's community turned out in force to hear from cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Nikki Stamp (’98), as we celebrated the release of her new memoir, Scrubbed. Congratulations to Nikki, who was recently appointed as Medical Affairs Lead in the Cardiovascular Renal Metabolic Area for AstraZeneca in London. We were also fortunate to have media personality and journalist, Mimi Kwa (’91), visit the school for a number of speaking engagements throughout 2022. We hope to celebrate Mimi’s many achievements, including the success of her bestselling memoir, House of Kwa, later this year.

We were delighted to host more than 40 guests of the Fleur de Lis Club for a special high tea. It was especially wonderful to see Dorothy Harbisher (Van Dal ’39), Honorary Life Member and past President of the OGA, who celebrated her 100th birthday last year. We were also honoured to host another St Mary’s treasure last year when Reverend Joyce Polson OAM visited the Marlene Carter Heritage Centre to view some of her archived items.

In 2022, the OGA also introduced a new tradition, a special pin to signify students whose mother, grandmother or great grandmother are Old Girls. I had the privilege of handing out these special pins to students, who now wear them proudly on their lapels.

I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate the 2023 recipients of the Marlene Carter Scholarship, Helena Drescher (Year 7), and Ethel Beaton Scholarship, Rose Meharry (Year 11). These are special scholarships available to current students who are daughters and granddaughters of OGA Life Members.

To round out 2022, we were privileged to hear from the very talented Danella Ashwin (’10), who gave an inspirational address at Speech Night that explored perseverance and normalised imposter syndrome, as well as highlighting the importance of maintaining your hobbies outside of work. She finished her speech by performing an original song that she wrote for St Mary's, Fly Your Wings

This year we are excited to host several events and activities, including our beloved Old Girls’ Day and Fleur de Lis Club events. We are also busy planning a special garden party event to reveal our Centenary gift to the School.

In closing, I would like to thank Mrs Judith Tudball, the School and, in particular, the Alumni Relations team, for their support in helping us to continue delivering a variety of initiatives and events that reflect the diversity and different life stages of our thriving alumni community.

I look forward to seeing you at an Old Girls’ event in 2023.

Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94) President, Old Girls' Association