College Activities

Alumni Reunions - Class of 2010 & 2015

Alumni Question & Answer

Q. Does anybody think it’s a good idea to hold a reunion via Zoom?

A. NO!

And so, we find ourselves hosting a 10 year reunion for the Class of 2010 and a 5 year gathering for the Class of 2015 in March 2021. Thanks COVID!

CLASS OF 2010 REPORT

When asked ‘What did you like best about Aitken?’, the answer from those in this group was a resounding ‘lifelong friendships in a tight year level’. After 10 years away from the school, many have a range of academic/workplace experiences for purposes of comparison, and some are even choosing schools for their own children!

Sixty plus Alumni returned for the reunion with an additional 23 sending apologies. Work commitments, prior engagements, holiday/travel plans and residing interstate/overseas accounted for most of these. Immediately after finishing school, friendships tend to remain strong for some time. However, the busyness of life: studies, career, new relationships, family commitments etc. can begin taking up more time and despite best intentions, the drift away from school friends is inevitable. What was very clear however, was the affection these Alumni have for the College and the easy rapport they enjoy with their peers with whom they once spent so much time. Photos of happy smiles tell the story. One of our guests even travelled from Canberra to attend!

For these Alumni, the new (to them) buildings were incredible, a far cry indeed from what they experienced whilst at school; and the Kitchen Garden Centre provided the perfect venue for the relaxed gathering on a balmy evening.

Guests were disappointed to hear that the much loved and respected Head of Brodie house, Mrs Lyn Treadwell (and husband Jim), were apologies due to Lyn’s health issues. We look forward to having Lyn and Jim back to attend the next function when health permits.

So many different occupations and career pathways have been pursued by this interesting, energetic and resourceful group of former students. Too many to list, but some include:

Surprise visits from former staff Mrs Rita Paniagua, Rev. Jeanne Beale and Ms Alicia Hewes (former Head of Cameron house) were greatly appreciated by all in attendance. We look forward to seeing them all again at the next opportunity. Thank you to all involved!

 CLASS OF 2015 REPORT

Thirty plus Alumni returned to the College to catch up with friends and teachers. During the last five years these young adults have completed studies and commenced their careers in a range of industries both professional and vocational.

Alumni from this cohort have been incredibly generous with their time by ‘paying it forward’ and agreeing to participate in Careers related activities such as the annual Year 10 Careers Panel benefitting current students and in doing so, they have confirmed their fondness and regard for the College. Their knowledge and first-hand experience across a range of occupations can provide a valuable insight for current students considering career options and undertaking careers research. Some of the occupations represented included:

Alumni from the Class of 2015 really appreciated being able to catch up with former teachers, Mrs Rita Paniagua (Head of Brodie), Ms Alicia Hewes (Head of Cameron) and the Rev. Jeanne Beale who were also in attendance. We look forward to hearing more about their adventures beyond Aitken when we meet next. Many thanks to all who assisted and attended.

Ms Rae Gibbs

Alumni Coordinator