News and Updates

Jordan Tassone (Class of 2021) is Glen Eira’s Young Citizen of the Year 2024

Congratulations to Class of 2021 graduate Jordan Tassone who was recently named as the Young Citizen of the Year 2024 by the City of Glen Eira. 

This prestigious award is given in recognition of significant contributions to community service. Jordan received the award acknowledging his efforts at Emmy Monash Aged Care where he revamped the operations system to ensure roster management was efficient and effective, with the ultimate goal being to ensure aged care residents continued to receive quality care.

Jordan, who is currently studying law and psychology at the Australian National University, said, “This project was important to me given the struggles Australians in aged care have faced over the past few years.”

Emily Chen (Class of 2021) 

Well done to another Class of 2021 Kilvonian, Emily Chen, who was recently announced as the recipient of the Monash University 2023 Liz Davis Student Excellence Award in Pharmacology. 

This special award commemorates the contribution to pharmacology education made by Associate Professor Liz Davis, and is presented annually to the student achieving the highest mark in the unit PHA2022 (Drugs and Society). 

Emily is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology). Upon receiving such an important award she said, “I am extremely grateful that the Department of Pharmacology has recognised and rewarded my academic performance. 

I enjoyed hearing about the undergraduate research opportunities offered and admire the research that has been done, and is still being done, by many of the teaching staff and faculty members.”

Michael Li (Class of 2023) heads to Stanford

Congratulations to 2023 graduate, Michael Li, who has been accepted to study at Stanford University in California, USA, starting in September this year. He looks forward to starting a new journey there.

Michael reflects on his time at Kilvington:

"While I am overjoyed, I am now more aware than ever that this achievement is not mine alone, but that of all those who have supported me during my time at Kilvington. From teachers and staff to my peers, the Kilvington community has never ceased to provide strength, confidence, and guidance. 

Furthermore, the vibrant and supportive learning environment at Kilvington was integral for not just our exceptional results, but also the unforgettable journey we all shared. My Kilvington experience will always be dear to my heart, and I wish everyone an amazing and happy future."

Alice McMillan (Class of 2014)

Recently our Academic Dean of Languages, Mrs Lucie Dickens, presented a professional learning session on VCE French. She was delighted to see that one of her former students, Alice McMillian (Class of 2014), who she taught French ten years ago in Year 10, 11 and 12, was one of the participants. 

She was even more delighted to learn that Alice was inspired to continue her French studies thanks to her French lessons at Kilvington, and is now a French teacher at the Sacred Heart College in Geelong. Tres bon!

Carla Purcell (Class of 2004) joins us for International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day (IWD) this year, we were fortunate to have Kilvonian Carla Purcell (Class of 2004 and Fethers House Captain) attend a special breakfast in Dalton Hall, and deliver the keynote address on the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’. 

While Carla started her career as a lawyer, she relished the challenges she faced working in logistics with Qantas as Operations Manager and the Head of Sydney’s International Terminal. Carla is currently the CEO of Yarra Trams, the largest tram network in the world. 

On IWD, Carla spoke about her experiences of tackling inequality in the workplace, and what Yarra Trams is doing to help address specific issues faced by women, such as safety and security problems facing night shift workers. With Carla at the helm, Melbourne’s tram system is in very safe hands. 

Angela Logan-Bell (Class of 1989) 

We recently heard from Angela who wrote to us with an update. 

“I recently started a new role as Head of Sales at Interactive – Australia’s largest privately owned IT company - and have now been in the technology industry for 27 years working with data, AI, Cloud and critical infrastructure. 

I married in 2015 and moved to the Mornington Peninsula three years ago. I remain very active and sporty, and enjoy cycling, skiing, walking and camping.”

Thank you Angela. Great to hear from you.

Joyce Graham (nee Angliss, Class of 1946)

One of our oldest Kilvonians, Mrs Joyce Graham, recently called with excitement about the official opening of The HIVE. Joyce reflected on her time at Kilvington and was particularly excited about the facilities available to students in the new science, technology and library centre. She thought the acronym of Harmony, Innovation, Vision and Excellence was inspirational and was delighted to hear it was the brainchild of a current Kilvington student. 

Joyce resides in the same retirement community as another old Kilvington student, Mrs June Wotherspoon (nee Wilkinson, Class of 1958), and the pair regularly catch up to keep each other company and reminisce about days at School. 

Joyce said, “I grew up in Ormond and was excited when it was my time to start at Kilvington. I had many friends and recall days spent pouring over books and playing games.

I am happy to hear the School is still prospering. Sadly, due to my age – I am 92 years old - I can no longer attend events, however, I would love to keep up-to-date with news and happenings at the School, especially the fantastic new facilities.” Thank you, Joyce.