Celebrating our Volunteers

Eve Ollington

Since her daughters Mya (2P) and Lani (Prep Hannah) commenced at St Michael’s, Eve has volunteered to help with a variety of different creative projects for their classes. Eve helped with the NAIDOC Week Art Program, she assisted the children in a Mother’s Day arts and craft project, and at Lani’s request, Eve was an ongoing helper in the Kindergarten Physical Education classes. “Volunteering is something that I’ve done for all my life. It’s about giving back and being involved.” Aside from the fulfilment she gains from volunteering, Eve also enjoys becoming closer to the St Michael’s community, being more connected to her children’s learning, and spending time with her daughters’ classmates. “I love getting to know the kids really well”. As Mya and Lani look ahead to their future at St Michael’s, Eve is looking forward to seeing how the girls continue “increasing their confidence and building their social networks” within the School’s welcoming community.

Anouk Hulme

For almost 12 years, Anouk Hulme has been volunteering with the Parent Community Association (or the Parents and Friends Association, as it was then known). Anouk leads St Michael’s Second-hand Uniform Service – a service that parents value for its environmental and economic benefits. "Being environmentally friendly is in my nature, and the Second-hand Uniform Service is a good way to practice those values". This year, the Second-hand Uniform service was reimagined to comply with COVID safe restrictions. Anouk took online bookings, which “actually turned out for the better”, as it allowed for “personalised, one-on-one customer service”. Anouk has also been instrumental with the planning for the new Second-hand Uniforms pod, to be opened in 2021. With her son Boaz (11B) moving into his final year at St Michael’s, 2021 will be Anouk’s last year leading the Second-hand Uniform Service. Anouk hopes to continue living by her motto of “reuse, recycle, relove” and volunteer for another sustainable directive in future. For Anouk, “Volunteering is what ticks me along each week.” She encourages all parents to get involved, join in the “friendly banter” and “come for as little or as long as you like”. If you are interested in volunteering with the Second-hand Uniform Service please email secondhanduniforms@stmichaels.vic.edu.au

Joanna Margiolis

When Joanna graduated from St Michael’s in 2014, a letter from the Old Michaelian Association Committee inspired her to get involved. “I thought that this would be a great way to give back to the school. Having had six incredible years at St Michael’s, I wanted to give back in some way.” “Being part of the OMAC has given me the opportunity to engage with both current students and OMs from a range of generations. It’s wonderful to see that even though the school has changed over the years, the core values and community spirit have stayed the same.” Joanna’s biggest highlight with the OMAC has been participating in the annual OM barbeque for Year 12 students. “This event marks the beginning of the transition from student to Old Michaelian, and it allows students and OMs to end the year in a relaxing and fun way.” This year, instead of the barbeque, Joanna was instrumental in organising the Old Michaelian video wishing our Year 12 students good luck in their exams. “It was a great opportunity to get input from a range of OMs spanning across numerous decades. It was inspiring to see so many OMs show their love and support for the Yr 12 students with such personal messages.” What Joanna loves about the OM community is the shared connection, even across generations. “We are all keepers of St Michael’s stories. This is something that links us together, no matter what year you graduated”. If you are interested in learning more about the Old Michaelian Association Committee, please contact oldmichaeliancommittee@stmichaels.vic.edu.au