News and Updates 

Kilvonian Carla Purcell, Class of 2004, joins Yarra Trams

Kilvonian Carla Purcell has recently joined Yarra Trams, the world’s largest tram network, as the Chief Executive Officer. She oversees the daily operation of the network and passenger experience and oversees a team of 1,800 employees, including 1,400 tram drivers. 

Carla was recently interviewed by reporter Patrick Hatch for The Age newspaper. You can read the article here. 

Kilvington past staff catch up

A big thank you to Ann Cleghorn, Class of 1977 and past staff member, for sending us some pictures of some recent casual catch-ups with other former Kilvington teachers.  

Reflections from Dr Pat Phair (nee Johannsen, Class of 1947)

Thanks to Pat for sharing some memories of happy days spent at Kilvington. 

What wonderful and happy memories I have of my primary school education at Kilvington. Six great years! The number of teachers were relatively small. I remember Ms Fisch in her office in the old Mansion, and shelves lined with books (including the Children’s Encyclopedia and Encyclopedia Britannica) which we were encouraged to borrow and read; the lady from Semco who enthusiastically taught us sewing; Mr Monntief's singing classes, and the old tram where we could eat lunch. How wonderful to be celebrating the Centenary! 

An update from Joy Wilson (Class of 1959)

As both my sons have moved to Queensland, I reluctantly decided that I should follow. Being near them and to most of my grandchildren has made it worthwhile, despite missing many friends in Kurrajong, NSW and Melbourne, Victoria.

We wish you all the best in Queensland, Joy. 

News from Mrs Norma Garlick (nee Hunt, Class of 1962)

It was wonderful to hear Norma reflect on her time at Kilvington. 

The only school I ever attended was Kilvington. 

I started in kindergarten, which was in a hall near the church on Walsh Street. I remember we had to have an afternoon nap on 'beds' on the floor in the afternoons. 

I then progressed to the Walsh Street school, and we had at least a couple of boys there. Then onto secondary school at the present site, a modest establishment at the time. 

I finished Year 12 in 1962 and went to study at Frankston Teachers’ College. 

I have fond memories of my Kilvington school days, friends, teachers and the School motto “Not for our own but other’s good” which has stuck with me all my life.

A career in fashion and thanks from Ruth Hawgood (nee Hughes, Class of 1970)

Ruth was thrilled to receive a special card from current student 'Ginger',  to help the past and present students connect during the centenary year. She is keen to connect with Kilvonians from the 1965, 1966 and 1967 peer years. 

I arrived in Australia from the UK in 1964 and commenced my schooling at Kilvington in 1965, the year I turned 12. I remember many friends at school and enjoyed the time I was there.

However, my heart was set on learning to be a professional sewer, so I left school at 14, after completing Grade 10, Intermediate Level (as it was known back then).

I commenced my sewing studies with McCabe Academy of Dressmaking in Collins Street, Melbourne. Here I learnt to draft patterns, sew confidently, and enjoyed the art of design and dressmaking for a number of prominent people of society, which I did in the following years.

Fortunately for me, I was given a job in a boutique in Malvern Road, and as I progressed in knowledge from both a wonderful boss and several other sewers, I was able to progress to making wedding dresses, evening dresses and the like.

I still enjoy fashion, with the turnaround of various fabrics from Sweden, Italy, France and Australia included. Now at 70 years old, I still manage to teach all ages from home, from children of eight to older grandmothers of 74. Men make great sewers too! I tend to limit myself in numbers now, but still enjoy sewing for family, extended family and 14 grandchildren, all who are amazing in their own right!

Please thank 'Ginger' for the beautiful words she wrote in the card. They meant a lot to me.

Non nobis sed omnibus.

Janine McNamara (nee Williams, Class of 1973)

Janine sent apologies for the 50 Year Reunion along with an update on what she has been up to since leaving Kilvington. Thank you Janine.

I did a BA (Hons) at the University of Melbourne, where I occasionally saw two friends from school: Heather Wright and Glenda Jackson. In 1978, I moved to Sydney, and unfortunately lost contact with school friends as there was no email back then! 

I worked as an environmental planner with the Dept of Environment and National Parks and Wildlife Service for many years, which were both wonderful jobs with such interesting work and people. 

I married Chris and we have two wonderful daughters. We have been lucky to have lived in Auckland, New Zealand for five years and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 15 years, which allowed us the opportunity to travel extensively in Asia. 

We recently returned to Sydney and have now 'retired' in the last year. My interests are my family, travel, bushwalking and tennis.

Please pass on my best regards to the class of 1973 and may you have a wonderful reunion. I remember Kilvington with fondness, and like anywhere, it’s the people you have great memories of.

News from Kathryn Whatmore (nee Haywood, Class of 1978) 

Kathryn was unable to attend her 45 Year Reunion as she now lives in sunny Sri Lanka, but kindly provided the following update to share with old classmates. Thank you Kathryn. 

Back in February 2021, we sold our home and property on the Mornington Peninsula and moved lock, stock and barrel to our other home in Sri Lanka. We love being here full time. 

I had for some years been commuting to and from Australia to Sri Lanka for work (I am a Jeweller), however the commute is now usually between the UK and Sri Lanka to visit my son (now 31) and his family, including three grandchildren. 

While I still work with all the incredible gems in Sri Lanka, I also love spending time with family. My daughter (now 39) still works and lives in Melbourne, but thankfully she has travelled to see us a couple of times since our departure from Australia. I'm not sure my husband will ever retire (he is a professional cricket coach), but we do have plans to see each other a little more and have just celebrated 42 years of marriage. 

Please pass on my regards to all the classmates and indeed teachers who attend the reunion. I am forever grateful to Kilvington for teaching me independence of thought, mind and behaviour, allowing a richness of life and strength in action.