»ÆɫƬ

A Lifelong Connection

At »ÆɫƬ, lifelong bonds are formed with and within the College. Our past students remain deeply attached to the place where their education and values were shaped. Many return years later with their own daughters, confident about the school life their daughters will enjoy.

The »ÆɫƬ Alumnae Association is one of the oldest and strongest associations in Australia.

For over 100 years, the »ÆɫƬ Alumnae Association has brought »ÆɫƬ women together. They celebrate their connection and continue to support the College community, and as a result, the Alumnae Association is one of the oldest and strongest associations in Australia.

Our network of past students meet regularly through formally organised College events and reunions. Becoming a »ÆɫƬ girl is the beginning of a lifelong connection.

We love to stay in touch with our past Gen girls. Please keep your details up to date via [email protected] and stay connected through our social channels: Facebook , Instagram .

Alumnae Activities

The »ÆɫƬ Alumnae Association is highly active and engaged with the College and with the community. We have many and varied avenues for past students to connect with »ÆɫƬ or activities to become involved in.

From the much-loved GenNarrations Magazine through to Alumnae eNewsletters and the College’s Alumnae Facebook and Instagram page, we love to hear from our cherished Alumnae. Whether it is feedback on publications, ideas for events and reunions, or to alert us to a birth, a celebration or a passing of a loved one, please share this with us via email, [email protected].

Our Annual Business Breakfast is a “must attend” event. An opportunity to network and hear a great speaker. This year’s event was a sellout. Guest Speaker, Gen Alumna, Kathryn Fink (Class of 1983), Director of Television, SBS.

Reunions and Events

In 2024, our Garden Party reunions were held and hosted at the College and included drinks upon arrival and light refreshments.  Update your details at [email protected] to ensure you receive an invitation to your next reunion

For queries please email [email protected].

Supporting Gen Girls

We also welcome Alumnae back to the College to assist and encourage our current students to reach their future career and life goals. If you are interested in getting involved please contact us.

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Bequests

By giving a bequest, you are leaving a legacy that will make a difference to future generations of Gen girls. If you are considering making a gift to the College in your will, please speak with our Director of Marketing and Community Engagement via Reception on 8862 1000. Together, you can discuss how best to match your gift to a particular project.

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History

On 11 August 1911, the Old Girls’ Association was launched by the first boarder to attend »ÆɫƬ F»ÆɫƬ College, Ellen Corry, who was duly elected as President.

She brought together a group of past students who determined the aims of the Association, which remain the same today:

• To foster loyalty and affection for our old school
• To support the F»ÆɫƬ sisters
• To keep old girls in touch with one another and hold regular reunions.

In 1914, the College celebrated its Silver Jubilee. The statue of Our Lady of Good Counsel, which still stands in the chapel today, was presented by the OGA to commemorate the occasion.

In 1919, Marie DeBavay, who was President, donated pearls and diamonds to be included in a delicate brooch depicting the OGA crest. This was to be worn by the President at all official functions during her year in office, and this timeless piece is still adorned by the current President, but only on special occasions.

Reunions on »ÆɫƬ Day were a highlight of the social calendar, always well attended, and continue to this day to be a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships.

The first »ÆɫƬ Ball was held in 1912, and apart from the war years continued until the 1990s. Girls wore formal white dresses, carried Victorian posies and attendance figures regularly exceeded 1,000. The purpose of these events was to raise funds in support of education, music and sport in the form of book bursaries and various scholarships.

During this period, there were 30 members on the Committee and in addition to the Ball, yearly events included »ÆɫƬ Day, Mass for the Deceased, an OGA Dinner and Lunch as well as the 8 December procession.

In 1971, the Old Girls’ Association celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. A large number of past students were present at the reunion, including Sr Gerda Prytz fcJ, who had been at that very first meeting in 1911 and who was still a willing participant of the association 60 years later.

The early 1980s were not only a significant time in the history of the OGA, but for women in general. It was during this time that more and more women entered the workforce, and the annual Ball presented debutantes for the final time in the mid-1980s.

Reflecting the changing times, the name of the Association was changed to the »ÆɫƬ Alumni Inc. in the late 1990s. In 2006, the spelling was changed to ‘alumnae’ to acknowledge that the majority of past pupils were, and still are, women.

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In the past, the OGA and the College were seen as two very separate groups. Today, the College Development Team work closely with the Alumnae Association, a relationship that has grown from strength to strength.

Reunions provide an important means for the Alumnae Association to maintain connections and friendships among past students. In recognition milestone years, reunions for these levels are scheduled and we encourage alumnae to get involved. 

In order for young OGA mums to reconnect with each other and the College, the Alumnae Playgroup was established by a group of past students in 2008 and reinstated in late 2015. For more information visit Alumnae & Friends Playgroup.

»ÆɫƬ girls remain special to each other; the legacies of the past are special and we treasure our motto, fidelis and our hearts still go out in greeting to the well-loved school upon the hill.

Update your details

We love to stay in touch with our past Gen girls. Please keep your details up to date via [email protected].

Stay connected through our social channels:
Facebook 
Instagram 

Share your news

We love to hear what our past Gen girls are up to. If you have family news, career achievements or a story on how you, or an alumnae you know, are making a difference in the world, please get in touch via [email protected]