Celebrating Our Alumni: Returning, Reconnecting, and Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the great strengths of Clonard College lies in our alumni community, a network of past students whose values, stories, and spirit continue to inspire. This year, we were grateful to welcome so many of our Alumni back to Clonard, each returning with a unique story, a generous heart, and a passion to give back. Their involvement reminds us that being part of Clonard doesn’t end at graduation, it’s a lifelong connection.

Inspiring the Next Generation
This year saw a number of Alumni return to inspire current students through talks and special events.

• Tiffane Levick captivated our senior French students with her stories of studying, working, and living in France, a living example of how language can open doors to global adventures.
• Libby Leissner returned to share her passion for music, motivating our young musicians to follow their creative dreams.
• Emma Day, College Dux of 2009, inspired everyone at our Awards Evening at the end of 2024 with her reflections on her journey since leaving Clonard, before presenting an award to one of our high achievers.
• Laura Dillon encouraged our students to think globally and act locally as she spoke about sustainability and her work in creating a better future.

Building Connections and Celebrating Community
Our heartfelt thanks go to Ailie Malthouse, Fiona Hassell, and Helen St John, who have contributed their time to our Community Relations Sub-Committee and the organisation of our annual reunion. Their efforts help maintain the bonds that make Clonard such a vibrant, connected community.

We were also delighted to welcome Jordan Chisholm, College Captain of 2020, who returned to sit on the interview panel for our 2026 College Captains. Having a recent graduate involved in this important process was a wonderful way to link past student leadership with the next generation of Clonard leaders.

Celebrating Women and Leadership
At our International Women’s Day Breakfast, Loretta Hart moved us with her wisdom and energy, leaving the community feeling uplifted and empowered. We were also delighted to welcome Natalie Grisenti and Saskia Frake, who shared their own stories of growth, challenge, and success since leaving Clonard, inspiring our students with their honesty and courage.

Cultural Reflection
During Reconciliation Week, Jiealla Guttie-Galpin joined us for our reconciliation assembly, reminding us of the importance of respect and walking together in reconciliation.

Creativity and Expression
Our senior Art students were privileged to have Anna Egberts open their recent exhibition, sharing insights into her career in art and design and encouraging students to embrace their creative potential.

Guiding Future Pathways
We were thrilled to see so many recent graduates Bonnie Skabla, Maddi Ellison, Poppy Perkins, Brigitte Tsatsalmas, Anastasia Napiza, Emily Bradley, Eva Miller, Elliotte Betts, Olivia Rowe, Ella Chamberlain, Sophie Brady, and Ava Drennan, return to speak to our Year 10 students about life after Clonard. Their reflections on their first years beyond life at Clonard offered practical insights and reassurance for those soon to take their own next steps.

Meanwhile, Chloe Ingles and Darcie Jones inspired our Year 12s with stories of their GAP years with the Letz Live Program working in boarding schools overseas and travelling, showing us how taking some time out can build confidence, independence, and global perspective.

Sharing Their Journeys: “Where Are They Now”
We also celebrated the incredible reflections and achievements of many more Alumni including Anna Egberts, Ava Hyland, Cherie Thierry, Colleen Delaney, Emma Day, Ella Ramsdale, Felicity Weir, Georgia Thompson, Kaitlyn Debono, Kaitlyn Schurmann, Kat Goss, Kathleen Halloran, Laura Thistlethwaite, Lejla Makas, Libby Leissner, Madeline Baker, Maree Golacki, Maria Deronjic, Michelle Winkle, Mina Haddad, Morgan Jamieson, Olivia Rowe, Paige Rae, Poppy Perkins, Stephanie Parsons, and Tiffane Levick, who each shared their stories as part of our Where Are They Now series. Their reflections continue to inspire current students, highlighting the many diverse paths that begin here at Clonard.

Welcoming Our Newest Alumni
We ended the year with a wonderful celebration as Yu Shin Tan and Lisa Jane Moody joined us at the Graduation Mass to welcome our graduating Year 12s into the Alumni community. Their presence symbolised the continuation of the Clonard story, one that we hope will grow richer with each year of graduates.

We would like to extend our thanks to all of our Alumni who continue to give back with their time, wisdom and example. Each visit, story, and act of generosity strengthens the thread that connects past, present, and future students. Together, we hope to continue to celebrate the remarkable women who remind us what it means to be part of the Clonard community – connecting, inspiring and remembering.

Melinda Hopper
Alumni Engagement Officer