CELEBRATING THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Celebrating 130 years of St Michael’s and the transformative impact of giving
WITH GRATITUDE
Our Impact of Giving 2025 Report is an expression of our gratitude and a testament to the collective impact of our community. In a year marked by the celebration of our 130th anniversary, the establishment of the St Michael’s Foundation, and our most successful Giving Day to date, supporting the Terry Bux Scholarship, we are proud to welcome nearly 300 new donors into our Donor Family.
Your belief in our mission enables us to invest in:
• New and visionary learning environments
• The renewal of existing facilities
• Expanded scholarship access
• Programs that deepen student experience and connection.
130 YEARS OF PHILANTHROPY
Key moments in our School’s growth over time, each of which was supported by our generous community.
1892
Sister Faith donates her inheritance, supported by a contribution from Mary Lang to fund the expedition to Australia to open schools in the colonies. St Michael’s Grammar School opens in 1895.
1896
Sister Bridget’s donated bequest enables the purchase of Marlton House.
1910
First sporting infrastructure, an asphalt tennis court.
1931
New science laboratory.
1937
A fundraising drive in Sister Bridget’s name enables landscaping, renovations, and purchase of properties (boarding house and kindergarten/ preparatory school).
1958
New hockey field.
1967
New Senior School (now known as ‘the Quad’).
1968
Renovation of Bishop’s Hall and completion of Vicars Foote Hall.
Transforming Lives
At
St Michael’s Grammar
School, philanthropy is not simply an act of giving. It is an investment in the future of our young people and the world they will shape.
For 130 years, we have stood as a place where students are known, challenged, supported, and inspired. Guided by our values of Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion, we have continued to evolve our community while remaining connected to the spirit of those who built our foundations.
The story of St Michael’s is one shaped by generosity: Sister Faith, one of the seven Sisters who sailed to Australia to open schools, donated her inheritance to fund the expedition, and Marlton House, our very first building, was purchased through a bequest received by Sister Bridget.
1988
$6 million is raised for a new sports complex and a staff common room.
2004
$3 million appeal is launched for the Sisters Building.
2014
$1 million campaign for The Gipson Commons.
2023
Renovation of the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s.
2025
The St Michael’s Grammar School Foundation launches.
From those earliest days, parents, Old Michaelians, staff and friends have recognised the power of education to transform lives. That tradition of giving lives on in every corner of our campus. It is reflected in the facilities where students collaborate and create; in the scholarships that open doors; and in programs that nurture wellbeing, leadership, and innovation.
Looking ahead, our aspirations are bold, as they have always been, but their realisation depends on the continued generosity of those who share our commitment to shaping confident, compassionate, capable young people. Every act of support strengthens the future of St Michael’s.
I see the impact of your generosity each day –on faces in classrooms, in moments of discovery, in the joy of performance, and in the quiet confidence of students who know they belong. Thank you for walking alongside us.
Gerard Houlihan
A Legacy of Giving, a Future of Opportunity
“Every gift to the School is carefully stewarded and used solely for its intended purpose.”
The launch of the St Michael’s Grammar School Foundation in 2025 marked a significant new chapter – one that strengthens our culture of generosity and deepens our community’s lifelong connection.
Guided by our philanthropic vision, Fifty by 2050, we are working towards a $50 million endowment by 2050. This endowment will enhance the School’s long-term financial sustainability, enabling confident investment in capital works, educational excellence, and scholarships that expand access and opportunity.
The St Michael’s Foundation is a committee of the Board, with Governors appointed from within the School and broader community, bringing a balance of skills, experience and perspective to steward philanthropic support effectively.
Strong governance ensures donations support the specific programs or projects chosen by our donors – never general operating expenses – creating meaningful and lasting impact.
Membership is open to all donors whose cumulative giving totals $10,000 or more. We were delighted to launch with 70 members already having supported the School at this level, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing opportunity at St Michael’s. We are deeply grateful to all who have given.
On behalf of the Foundation, thank you for your continued generosity and belief in the future of St Michael’s. We warmly invite Old Michaelians, current and past families and staff to join us as we work together to keep our School accessible, inclusive and future-focused for generations to come.
Elizabeth King (St Michael’s Parent) Chair, St Michael’s Foundation
community.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/giving
When Community Gives, Futures Change
Philanthropy at St Michael’s opens doors for students. By bridging the gap between tuition and excellence, your generosity creates opportunities that simply would not exist otherwise.
“Every gift, large or small has the power to create meaningful change.”
The focus of our 2025 Giving Day was to establish the Terry Bux Scholarship, a new means-tested, fully funded scholarship offered for Year 9 entry, designed to support a young person at a pivotal point in their educational journey.
Named in memory of Terry Bux, our much-loved Crossing Supervisor who kept St Michael’s students, staff and families safe for 33 years, this scholarship is a powerful tribute to his legacy of care, service and community spirit.
The Terry Bux Scholarship will cover 100% of tuition and levies, including the costs of one immersion, and provide a dedicated mentor to guide the recipient through their St Michael’s journey. To fund this scholarship in perpetuity, $800,000 is required.
We were thrilled to achieve our 2025 Giving Day goal of raising at least half of this amount, with the results shown in the adjacent statistics reflecting an outstanding community response.
We are especially grateful to the numerous corporate partners who joined with other community members as Matching Donors. Together, these contributions make extraordinary things possible for our students, our staff, and the wider School community.
Thank you to all who have supported St Michael’s throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Judy Quin Director of Advancement
Making a Lasting Impact
A gift to St Michael’s strengthens our legacy of progressive, inclusive and holistic education, enriching student experiences today while shaping the contributing citizens of tomorrow. Donations can be made to any of the following funds.
THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND Growing Equity and Access
$10,000 - $24,999 Member
$25,000 - $49,999 Fellow
$50,000 - $99,999 Senior Fellow
$100,000 - $249,999 Patron
$250,000 - $499,999 Chair’s Circle
$500,000 - $999,999 Foundation Circle
$1 million+ Benefactor FOUNDATION LEVELS
We believe that talent, passion, and potential should never be limited by circumstance. The Scholarship Fund exists to open doors for students who would otherwise be unable to access the unique educational experience our School provides.
THE BUILDING FUND Realising Our Campus Vision
Our campus is more than a collection of buildings; it is the heart of our community, a place where students discover their passions, form lifelong friendships, and prepare for the world beyond. The Building Fund is dedicated to realising the School’s Facilities Masterplan, ensuring that our learning environments remain innovative, inclusive, and inspiring.
THE FUTURE FUND
Securing St Michael’s in Perpetuity
The Future Fund strengthens the School’s long-term sustainability and independence, enabling St Michael’s to respond to emerging needs and pursue strategic opportunities. Contributions to this Fund help secure exceptional education for generations to come.
$4,658,434
“I’ve
built a future I never could have imagined”
“A scholarship didn’t just give me a place at St Michael’s, it gave me the confidence to dream bigger and the opportunity to make those dreams real.”
Leah Gelt, OM 2024
Reflecting on her seven-year journey, Leah Gelt (OM 2024) shares how transformative her time at St Michael’s was, ultimately leading to a volleyball scholarship in the United States.
When Leah Gelt recently spoke to a group of St Michael’s donors, her message was heartfelt and clear: the opportunities that shaped her school years, and her future, were only possible because of the generosity of those who give to the Scholarship Fund.
“Because of the opportunities I’ve had here, I’ve discovered my passions, developed my skills, and built a future I never could have imagined,” she told the audience.
One of those passions was volleyball. What began as an interest when she joined in Year 6 grew into a commitment that saw her reach the 1st team by Year 10. Training four days a week and competing at high levels, Leah ultimately earned a volleyball scholarship in the United States, where she is now studying at university. “St Michael’s provided me with top-level coaching and an environment that pushed me to be my best,” she said. “Without the School’s commitment to fostering talent and ambition, I wouldn’t be on this path today.”
Academically, Leah embraced a rigorous VCE program that challenged her to think critically and build confidence. Her teachers played a significant role in her growth, offering guidance and belief in her potential. Music was another meaningful part of her experience. Moving from clarinet to saxophone, she joined the Stage Band and performed across a wide repertoire. A standout memory was performing at the opening of the transformed Performing Arts Centre, St George’s – an inspiring space that has elevated the School’s music program and offered students remarkable performance opportunities.
In closing, Leah expressed deep gratitude for the scholarship: “It gave me the chance to thrive here; not just to attend this School, but to make the most of every opportunity it offers. It allowed me to dream bigger, push myself further, and build a future filled with possibilities.”
“Why we give”
“I want to help a student enjoy the privilege that I experienced some nearly 70 years ago. Attending as a Boarder it was truly an experience that I will never forget, and friends made at School are still my best friends.
School days were very happy, and my confidence grew, enabling me to work for over 30 years or more. I give thanks to the teaching at St Michael’s.
So, in my small way I contribute to the Scholarship Fund to support the School and another lucky student.”
Anonymous, Old Michaelian Donor
“We give because we feel it is our responsibility to help. The steps on the ladder we climbed need to be strong enough to support others.
A little bit can make a big change for somebody’s decision to send their kids to a better school.”
Natalie and William Hunter, Current Parent Donors
“Donating to the Building Fund is incredibly important to me in order to continue the legacy of generous giving at St Michael’s and providing excellent facilities.
I am proud to play a part in that long history of helping to create amazing facilities for future generations of St Michael’s students.”
Anonymous, Current Parent Donor
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Our 2025 Donors
Anonymous x 168
Acquaro, Daniela & Massimo
Adam, Bridgette
Agosta, Liz
Alfonso, Erica (OM 1998)
Andrianopoulos, Betty
Angus, Tina (OM 1967)
Aquastar Swim Schools
Armatas, Nicole
Arndt, Raff & Lowe, Kerryn
Arnott, Brenda
Atkins, Deborah
Axford, Lynette (OM 1960)
Badger, Ann
Bagaric, Mirko
Baker, David
Baker, David (OM 1986)
Bank of Melbourne
Bavinton, Rowen
Beamish, Olivia
Begum, Shanaj
Belgravia Outdoor Education
Bentley, Jemima
Bentley, Max (OM 2024)
Beven, Gerard
Bolzonello, David
Boyes, Sophie & Charles
Bradburn, Michael & Joanne
Breidahl, Alan
Brett, Steve
Brickell, Karen
Briggs, Lisa
Brocor Group P/L
Brown, Margo
Browne, Danny
Burge, Margaret
Burgess, Jennifer
Byers, Vanessa
Cafra, Gloria
Cai, Lisa
Campion Education (Aust) P/L
Carrington, Geraint (OM 2025)
Carrington, Greg
Carrington, Meredith
Carrodus, Peter
Casey, Felicity (OM 2002)
Casey, Ros
Castles, Helene (OM 1958)
Cerno Projects
Cerra, Joe
Chamberlain, Tim
Chambers Family
Chambers, Loreen and John Cheng, Kennedy (OM 2004)
Clark, Karola
Clarke, Will
Coleman, Amy
Coleman, Sue
Cole-Sinclair, Merrole (OM 1972)
Collins, Lisa
Collyvas, Joanna
Common, James
Compnow Melbourne
Conterno, Susan
Coomes, Anthony (OM 2001)
Coomes, Douglas
Correa-Walton, Claudia
Cowle, Vanessa (OM 1994)
Cozaris, Rosalinda & George
Crane, Kim & John
Crighton, Lisa
Cross, Michelle
Cross, Paul
Cruttenden, Natalie
Curtis, David
D.I.B Australia P/L
Dalidakis, Philip (OM 1993)
Dangazel Design
Darvall, Alicia
Davadoss, Renetia
Davis, Ruth
Day, York
DeBoer, Sarah & Brent
Deszcz, Andrew & Shelley
Dettmering, Christian
Di Fabrizio, Romere
Diamantis, Angela
Dickson, Gary
Driver Bus Lines
Dunn, Debra
Dybala, Belle
Dye, Liam
Easton, Catherine
Eddy, Andrew
Eddy, Douglas
Eddy, Helen
Educational Journeys
Edwards, Robert
Eggleston, Jennie
Endres, Sarah & Raoul
Evans, Bronwyn
Evans, Nanette (Berger, OM 1958)
Fahmi, Ghada
Feldman, Tammy
Fenton, Matt
Ferris, Kate (OM 2015)
Ficatas, George
Finkelstein, Ray
Fisher, Dale
Fisher, Sophie & Kux, Rohan Fitzgerald, Victoria (OM 1985)
Floyd, Priscilla (OM 1997)
Forbes, Michael & Angela
Fortis Security P/L
Fox, Blake (OM 1990)
Future Leadership Pty Ltd
Gardner AM, Kerry
Gates, Jane
Gee, Debbie
George, Sybilla (OM 2020)
Gibbs AM, David
Gilbert, Helen (OM 1972)
Girke, Luke (OM 2012)
GJK Facility Services
Gledhill, Henry (OM 2027)
Gordon-Clark, Hugh (OM 1985)
Gotmaker, Robert (OM 1994) & McQuilten, Zoe
Graziano, Adrian
Grimshaw Architects Pty Ltd
Grundmann, Jodie
Gulati, Shubham
Halliday, Juliette
Hancock, Chloe
Hanlon Family Foundation
Hartigan, Miche & John Harwyn
Haultain, Evie (OM 2020)
Haultain, Lynne
Haywood, David
Heinrich, Matt
Henzell, Helen
Herr, Anabel
Hess, Tyler
Heywood-Schweitzer, Suzanne Hill, Thomas (OM 2020)
Hines, Robi & Foster, Emma
Holloway, Mary (OM 1967)
Hoppe, Eliza
Horton, Judy (OM 1958)
Houghton, Will (OM 2021)
Houlihan, Gerard
Howard, Teresa
Hunter, Esmé, Nat & William
Huntington, Rachel
Hurst, Fionna
Huynh, Angela
Johaan, Lyall
Johnston, Ian
Jones, Terrie
Kelly, Rachael
Kemp, Melinda
Kennedy, Norman
Kilpatrick, Paula
King, G and E Family Foundation
King, Geoffrey
Kirsner, Lindsay
Klein, Dahlia (OM 2021)
Kloss, Kate
Lamont, Jacqui
Laracy, Erin
Lawler, Peta
Leahey, Minna (OM 2023)
Leather, Harry
Lee, Jason
Lester, Kate
Leung, Aidan (OM 2023)
Leung, Kristin (OM 2019)
Liang, Justin
Liffman, Virginia
Lin, Jules
Lloyd, Alissa (OM 1997)
Lockyer, Kristie
Lonie, Ruth (OM 2004)
Lopez, Jose & Garcia, Carmen
Loughton, Brent
Lynch, Maryanne
Lyneham, Kellie
Lyon, Marcus
Mack, Rachel (OM 1979)
Mallet, Carey
Malloy, Jacinda
Mamachi Pty Ltd
Markakis, Stephanie
Martin, Dan
Mattioli Coating Services
McAlpine, Louis (OM 2024)
McClure, Jason
McDonald, Emma
McDonald, Michael & Kaspiew, Rae
McGowan Grace, Maria (OM 2020)
McGuinness, Siobhan
McKie, Kenyon
McQuilten, Zoe
Meachem, Hamish
Mellow, Michelle
Mihal, Vladimir
Miller, Melanie
Monie, Harry
Montebruno, Tyren
Moody, Ben
Moray & Agnew
Morrison, Bill
Mufuka, Farai & Mlambo, Lindiwe
Munn, Bec
Murphy, Scott
Murray, Sarah
Murray-Johnson, Amanda
Nathan, Linda
Neave AM, Colin and the Neave Family
Nebbs, Matthew
Newman, Jason & Kate
Newman, Maverick (OM 2015)
Nichols, Emmet
Nixon, Amanda
One Solution Electrical & Data
Otsuka Bavinton, Leni
Otto, Rachel
Pace, Aldo
Pagliocca, Adelina
Pallikaros, Vicki
Pang, Jill
Pannozzo, Maria
Pantano, Filip
Pappas, Cathy
Pavlakovic, Sara
Peck, Meg (OM 1992)
Pelos, Kay (OM 1971)
Pemberton, Elizabeth
Phelan, Peter (OM 1991)
Philip, Pradeep
Phillips, David
Phillips, Dr Diane (OM 1970)
Phillips, Eden
Phillips, Ross
Pietruschka, Andrew (OM 2002)
Pizzorno, Carla (OM 1998)
Plum, Greg
Ponsford, Helen
Pretty, Helen
Quin, Judy
Quin, Michael & Michelle
Ramunno, Brock (OM 2015)
Reade, Lynette
Red Rocketship Foundation
Redgrave, Tiff
Renner, Diana (OM 1990)
Reynolds, Carolyn
Rhodes, Sharon
Righetti, Jennifer
Roberts, Tim
Rose, Amy
Rose, Geoff
Rose, Martyn
Rumbelow, Rebecca (OM 1991)
Ryan, Geoff
Salveson, Jane (OM 1979)
Sampson, Bruce
Sampson, James (OM 2019)
Scarica, Elisa & Byrden, Ed
Schiavello, Bonnie
Shafir, Ben
Sheeran, Kelly
Sianos, George
Sideropoulos, Lila & Demetrios
Sitch, Max (OM 2022)
Smith, Nicholas
Snell, Frances (OM 1961)
Sombekke, Fiona
Spooner, Paul
Sprague, Elizabeth
St Michael’s Grammar School Parent
Community Association
Steyn, Henriette
Stokes, Jean
Stremski, Oscar (OM 2023)
Summers, Mark
Tait, Richard
Tarbett, Russell
The Company of CSC Australia Ltd
The Dorothy & May Vicars-Foote Fund
The Outdoor Education Group
The Sheehan-Birrell Foundation
Thomas Robert Group P/L
Thompson, Anne
Thompson, Brook
Thompson, Mark & Louise
Thompson, Penny (OM 2003)
Thomson, Sue
Tong, Kenise
Toohey, Natasha & Schulz, Peter
Townsend, Harry (OM 2021)
Trauer, James
Trenchard, Emily
Tyrrell, Pat
Van, Tiffany (OM 2004)
Vandeleur, Maggie
Verratti, Rebecca
Vo, Henry
Waaldyk, Amanda
Walker, Jacqui
Wang, Jing (OM 2004)
Ward, Lord Robert Zoltan (OM 2015)
Warner, Annette
Webb, Jenna
Wenlock, Jennifer
White, Michelle
Whiting, Sarah
Whiteson Group
Whitworth AC, Professor Judith (OM 1961)
Wiener, Kim
Williams, Mark Wilton, Leeanda
Wood, Matt
Wood, Sam
Woodbury, Karen
Wroe, Sean (OM 2003)
Wynn, James (OM 2005)
Xin, Melanie (OM 2005)
Yacoub, Natasha
Ying, Julian (OM 2024)
Young, Tammy
Yurcina, Trish
Zhu, Olivia
The St Michael’s Foundation Governors
Mrs Elizabeth King (Chair)
A committed philanthropist and former educator, Elizabeth brings deep experience in educational programs and community service to her role as Chair of the St Michael’s Grammar School Foundation.
Mr Andrew Eddy
A senior finance professional and co-founder of the Neurodiversity Hub, Andrew contributes extensive governance and inclusive education advocacy as Chair of the School Board.
Dr Raphael Arndt
As CEO of the Future Fund, Raphael offers significant expertise in investment management, strategic governance, and large-scale organisational leadership.
Ms Joanne Kirk
A health sector leader and co-founder of the Red Rocketship Foundation, Jo is dedicated to advancing gender equality, social justice, and community wellbeing.
Mr Andrew Deszcz
A partner at King & Wood Mallesons, Andrew brings deep expertise in project finance, legal education, and industry engagement across infrastructure and energy sectors.
Mr Andrew Chambers
An experienced financial markets executive, Andrew leads institutional and international strategy at Pinnacle Investment Management and contributes broad global investment insight.
Mrs Claudia Correa-Walton
A senior people experience leader at Metro Trains Melbourne, Claudia specialises in diversity, wellbeing, and community engagement.
Mr Gerard Houlihan
Head of St Michael’s Grammar School, Gerard is an educational leader committed to personal agency, lifelong learning, and fostering community contribution.