Beyond the School Gates

St Michael’s students choose many different pathways when they finish school, remaining connected to one another through our vibrant Old Michaelian network. It is with pleasure that we are able to share the stories of three Old Michaelians who have experienced unique journeys since leaving St Michael’s.

SARAH MORGAN AND GEORGIA BIRD

Sarah Morgan (OM 2012) and Georgia Bird (OM 2014) are a DJ duo who perform together as Interstellar Fugitives. Sarah and Georgia have made waves in the dance music industry by curating and managing events that showcase female and gender non-conforming artists, conducting DJ workshop classes for women and nonbinary people, and by avidly promoting diverse representation in the industry. “We didn’t know any other girls running parties, and we wanted to create a space for ourselves.” “We really dove in headfirst, and the momentum hasn’t stopped since then.” In a male dominated industry, Sarah and Georgia rely on each other, and their families, for support. Sarah is also the co-founder of the WIP Project – a free online database of female and gender non-conforming dance music artists and industry professionals, aimed to unite agents, artists, and the wider dance community in the common goal of improving diversity and equality. Sarah and Georgia appreciate the support of their entire community in making the dance music industry a safer space for all. “We’re all tackling inequality together.”

JAMES BARKLAMB

James Barklamb (OM 2012) says that he “was always destined to go to St Michael’s". "Both my parents started working at the School in the early 1980s.” James’ mum Merrilyn continues to be a Prep teacher at St Michael’s. She has been a valued member of our community for 36 years. In 2018, James Barklamb was one of only five Australians selected to join the third class of the prestigious and “completely bonkers” Schwarzman Scholars program, enabling him to study a Masters in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing. James has previously held positions with the Global Public Policy Institute, the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia, the International Organization for Migration, and Rwanda’s Commission for the Fight Against Genocide. In 2020, he worked with tech company Policy on a COVID-19 tracking project, focusing on governments in Southeast Asia and their response to the pandemic.

If you would like to hear more about Sarah, Georgia, and James, you can listen to their interviews on Stories from the Crest, our podcast series launched in 2020. Stories from the Crest shares the stories of Old Michaelians from across the history of the School. It was created by TV producer Claudia Nankervis (OM 2012) and emerging filmmaker Fraser Pemberton (OM 2011). Fraser and Claudia explore the lives of Old Michaelians who share a common link through their school, but who have very different stories to tell. Connect with Old Michaelians on SMGS Generation, our exciting online platform designed to benefit students, past and present, by providing opportunities to link their learning to the career skills and experience of our extensive parent and Old Michaelian network. Find out more by signing up at smgsgeneration.com.