ALUMNI Program

Alumni Spotlight: Heidi McKay (Class of 1995)

This week, Wangaratta High School was pleased to welcome back former student Heidi McKay (Class of 1995), whose career and community contributions highlight the lasting impact of a WHS education.

While at WHS, Heidi was actively involved in band, school productions, sport and academic competitions, including performing in the Rock Eisteddfod and placing second in Victoria in an Economics competition. After graduating, she studied Psychology, worked in healthcare and later completed a Bachelor of Education (Honours), maintaining a strong focus on supporting young people. Her community involvement has included volunteering with Lifeline and raising over $45,000 for Country Hope.

Heidi is currently an Assistant Principal and co‑founder of EQ Nexus, an Emotional Intelligence consultancy supporting young people and adults to build emotional awareness, resilience and leadership skills.

Emotional Intelligence with Year 12

As part of her visit, Heidi worked with our Year 12 students in a session focused on emotional intelligence and wellbeing. Students explored the idea that emotions are messages, important signals that help guide decision making and self‑care, particularly during the demands of their final year.

Brain Profile Workshop with Year 12 Prefects

Our Year 12 Prefects also participated in a brain profile workshop, exploring different thinking styles such as The Scientist, The Visionary and The Energiser. Prefects reflected on how these styles can complement one another in leadership and support effective teamwork now and beyond school.

Following the sessions, Heidi reconnected with former classmate and current WHS Assistant Principal John Paola, and both Heidi and EQ Nexus co‑founder Cassie Neville shared insights and reflections with our Executive Principal, Dave Armstrong.

We thank Heidi and Cassie for their valuable contribution to our school community and their support of student wellbeing and leadership development.

Stay Connected!

Join our Alumni and school community on Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch.

Join the Alumni Program!

Do you, or someone you know, want to join the Wangaratta High School Alumni Program? By joining the program, you can stay updated on school events, reconnect with old friends and teachers, and even help inspire the next generation of Wangaratta High School students.

To join our alumni community and get involved, please complete the form on our webpage https://www.whs.vic.edu.au/alumni/ or email us at alumni@whs.vic.edu.au with your contact details, and Megan De Fazio will be in touch with you.

Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue to grow and strengthen our alumni network!