CHES Alumni 

CHES Alumni Making a Difference 

One of CHES’s greatest strengths is our alumni community. As our school continues to grow and evolve, many former students generously give their time and expertise to support current students and programs. Throughout Semester 1, alumni played an important role in the success of several key CHES events. 

At our Outreach Event at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, designed for high-ability students from rural and regional Victoria, CHES alumni Olivia Hedge (Class of 2023), Matt Whitfield (2024), Harry Anderson (2025), and Yaz Hardie (2025) joined us as student panellists. Drawing on their own experiences as regional and rural students, they shared insights into their journeys and answered questions from participants. The panel proved to be a highlight of the day, with many students identifying it as their favourite session. 

Our CHES Study Skills Webinar also benefited from the expertise of alumni from the Class of 2025. These recent graduates volunteered their time to deliver practical advice aimed at helping current students succeed at CHES and in their VCE and HES studies. Matt Aidt presented on time management, Harry Anderson explored effective study approaches, Rae Tang shared note-making strategies, and Emily Nelson provided guidance on preparing for SACs and SATs. Their presentations were grounded in personal experience and offered students valuable, relatable perspectives on success. 

Alumni support was also instrumental to the success of the CHES Expo, where prospective students, families, and teachers learned more about our VCE and Higher Education Studies offerings. Many HES alumni assisted university partners at their stalls, while both VCE and HES graduates participated in alumni panels, sharing their experiences and answering questions from visitors. Their enthusiasm and professionalism contributed greatly to the positive experience of attendees, with feedback from guests overwhelmingly positive. 

In addition, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of alumni to our VCE Subject Seminar Days, particularly for Extended Investigation. Alumni have returned to speak with students about their experiences, provide mentorship, offer advice on oral presentations, and share insights into the transition from VCE to university. These conversations provide invaluable guidance and reassurance for current students as they navigate their own pathways. 

Throughout the year, we are delighted to have the following exceptional alumni contribute to our live lessons and seminar days as tutors: 

• Matthew Whitfield
• Yazan Al-widyan
• Ruirui Yao
• Rae Tang
• Ivan Tinoco-Liu

To all of our alumni, thank you. Whether through presenting at events, mentoring students, or sharing your experiences, your contributions are an integral part of the CHES community. We are grateful for your continued support and your commitment to helping future generations of CHES students thrive.