Catching up with Alumni
Dr Laura Saxton (Class of 2005)
Aitken fostered Laura’s love of history and literature which she pursued at university firstly by completing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) and, later, her PhD at ACU. Her doctoral research explored how we understand and represent the past in popular media by analysing recent popular histories about Tudor queen Anne Boleyn.
Laura has lectured in history since 2010, teaching at both ACU and Monash University. She has taught a variety of subjects, from Early Modern Europe to a History of Medicine course. Currently, she lectures in ACU’s Clemente program, a course for Australians who would otherwise be excluded from tertiary education.
Laura has taught many different students from diverse backgrounds with some of her students themselves progressing to careers in teaching. One of the more satisfying aspects of her work is knowing that amongst her students is the next generation of history and literature teachers who will support and encourage future students, just as Mr Bond and Ms Jarvis did for her at Aitken.
Laura is currently a Research Associate at Monash University and is writing a book on representations of Tudor England in historical film, television, and novels.
Oriana Papa and Michael Sidebottom (Class of 2013)
Recently tying the knot were two members of our Alumni, Oriana Papa and Michael Sidebottom (Class of 2013).
After meeting in Year 9 at Aitken, Oriana and Michael began dating after leaving school in 2013. Despite both of them experiencing globe-trotting careers, they got engaged in Paris in February 2023 and married on 16 November 2024.
After on stage roles in numerous Aitken plays and musicals, Oriana studied Stage Management at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She then took on the world, working on productions in Macau, Hong Kong, Dubai, with Caribbean Cruiselines and touring many venues around the world with Cirque du Soleil.
Michael's music skills were well-known at Aitken before
forged his own international career, working as a technician on huge sporting events around the world.
They recently bought a house together and plan on settling in Melbourne, when they are not working in exotic places around the world.
Mikayla Barnes and Holly Brown(Class of 2019)
Mikayla and Holly met in Prep when they commenced at Aitken in 2007. They remained friends throughout their 13 years, graduating in 2019, with Holly as College Captain and Mikayla as Sports Captain.
The celebrated many milestones together, appearing on stage in productions and concerts, playing sport and hosting a combined 16th birthday party.
Both went on to study at Latrobe University; Mikayla as a Physiotherapist and Holly as an Occupational Therapist.
They recently joined us at the five year College reunion and now work alongside each other at Northern Health.
Adem Djemal (Class of 2014)
Adem’s journey ‘beyond Aitken’ was not exactly linear. Despite not achieving the ATAR required for his preferred course, he was able to find a pathway via an associate degree thanks to guidance from Careers staff, ultimately graduating from RMIT with outstanding results in the Bachelor of Business (Economics & Finance) degree.
A career move during COVID lead him to becoming a Fraud Analyst. As part of a specialist team Adem now provides frontline support for fraud prevention and protection of customer assets. He finds this role very rewarding, providing support to customers affected by fraud and catching fraudsters in the act.
Away from work Adem’s hobbies include Muay Thai, fitness and travel. Adem is very thankful for his time at the College and feels blessed to still be connected to a tight circle of Aitken friends (some from Prep) with whom he remains close. He is continuously reminded of the life lessons instilled by his teachers and will always remember Aitken fondly.
Dr Deborah Phillips (Class of 2013)
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Masters of Agricultural Science (MAgrSc), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
A recent visit to Greenvale Animal Hospital with a new pet led to the discovery of 2013 Graduate, Deborah Phillips.
Deborah graduated from the University of Melbourne at the end of 2022 after completing three degrees. Her journey at university led to her exploring pathways for a career in agricultural science and veterinary science. Due to her love for veterinary medicine and animal welfare she decided to focus all her attention on becoming a veterinarian and completed the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).
Her advice to anyone wanting to become a veterinarian is to thoroughly explore the profession and if your heart is set on it then it will be worth all the blood, sweat and tears to become qualified.
We recommend you trusting your beloved pet to Deborah.