OGA News

Over the last 2 years in Australia we have faced lockdowns, international and state border closures, restricted gatherings, businesses adapting, parents juggling work from home, students tackling remote learning and teachers pivoting between remote and classroom teaching.  

The OGA reached out to some of our alumni who are living overseas and asked them about their experiences during the pandemic.  We learnt that although each country tackled COVID-19 in very different ways, our alumni shared the common thread of facing this hardship head-on and continuing to strive toward their goals.

This is what Madeline Kilby (Aherne, 2006) had to say....

Madeline Kilby (Aherne, 2006)

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Occupation: Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Netflix

Qualification: Bachelor of Communications (Media) RMIT University 

How did you end up living in Amsterdam?

During school I was fortunate enough to do the exchange with Girton's sister school, St Louis, in Dublin, followed by time living in Poland during my gap year, so I always knew I would end up back living in Europe eventually. I had always thought that would mean moving to London but as time went on I just knew London wasn't the place for me. Then a friend of a friend was telling me how they had lived in Amsterdam, and there were no issues with language barriers because everyone spoke perfect English, so suddenly I knew where I was going! I really love art, history, riding my bike and live music so all the pieces of the puzzle seemed to come together with this city. It also helped that one of my friends from school had decided to move here around a similar time by complete coincidence. 

How has the pandemic had an impact on your work? And what did you need to do to adapt?

Right before the pandemic hit I had just started a job that was 100% remote so in some ways it was an easier transition. A lot of companies in The Netherlands already allowed employees the option to work from home occasionally so I used to go to cafe's or friends houses to work a lot. I wasn't able to do that anymore but at least my company was already well equipped with the work from home tools. I also teach yoga and fitness and I was actually able to do that more than ever before when I was doing it from my living room! It made it a lot more accessible to me while working full time. A lot of new and great job opportunities, particularly in tech companies, have been available lately, so in the past few months, I have started a new job. The focus for the back end of 2021 is a return to the office and in-person meetings. Many people have not been to the office since March 2020 so it is definitely a major shift to re-think how we approach the home/office balance. It's such simple things such as how to dress, making small talk and even when to wake up in the morning, coupled with the complexities of rapid Covid tests, vaccination requirements, and even the priorities for meetings and how many people can attend in person. For me getting outside and learning when to switch off and not look at your computer were two important lessons. I cannot sit inside all day without some time outdoors and still keep sane! It's also hard when you are bored to keep yourself from checking emails just to fill some time.

What are the challenges of living in Amsterdam during the pandemic?

The Netherlands is a country roughly the size of Victoria with a population similar to Australia. The reality is, that during winter my local supermarket probably had more Corona cases a month than Australia had in 6 months. There wasn't really much time to panic about catching the virus, and many of my friends have had it without even realising. We still, even now, live in this weird hybrid version of things. Overnight they will mandate face masks and give us a curfew, but then not actively police these restrictions. It's actually incredibly hard to live this half-life wondering how long it will actually go on for. Sometimes things open up then shut down again within 2 weeks. It has seemed like we have had a lot of freedoms, and yes relatively speaking we have, but you always have to ask at what cost. Vaccinations have definitely made a difference, but I think it will be unlikely we see the last few restrictions lifted before Spring 2022.  The other challenging thing is that everyone kind of lives on top of each other in small apartments, and often you don't have any outside space. You really have to force yourself to walk down three flights of stairs to go for a walk around the block just to ensure you get some fresh air - there are no backyards to wander out into. 

 What are the advantages of living in The Netherlands? 

Cycling! All stereotypes about the Dutch and bikes are true. You can get on a bike, cycle 40 minutes, and be in a different town, if the weather allows. None of my friends live more than a 20 minute cycle away, many are even walking distance so it is easy to meet up with people. Amsterdam has a huge expat population and a bit of a village feel to it - the running joke is that all Australians know each other. Amsterdam is also just such a beautiful city, I never tire of it.The Dutch are an interesting bunch. Give them a rule that has been carved into stone and they uphold it to the nth degree - but getting these rules across the line is easier said than done, so often they are more just suggestions. Suggestions are not taken so seriously so this has allowed for a lot of freedoms. As I said maybe it isn't always a good thing, but there is certainly some plus sides to it as well. 

What keeps you inspired?

There are a lot of things that keep me inspired and I think they change all the time depending on what I am looking for. I find a lot of my colleagues very inspiring, and my work environment is really motivating. As a yoga teacher, I often find inspiration through yoga practice and meditation. I also have many friends who have created their own businesses, or even just taken a hobby to the next level which is always amazing to see. I am a huge cheerleader for my friends doing great things!

What important issue or life lesson has the pandemic highlighted for you? 

Time is one thing you can never get back. It has been over 2.5 years since I've seen my family, and you should never take for granted any opportunity you get to speak to, or see your loved ones. The cards you get dealt sadly aren't always within your control, but you can always control the way you respond to the situation. Finding a silver lining will get you a lot further than stewing on the negative for too long. I have also learned a lot about asking for, and receiving help. I'm always happy to help out my friends when they need it, but usually just try to do everything without asking for any help myself. I broke my arm last year, and for a while there I couldn't even shower without help. Without family there I had to rely on my friends a lot. When you surround yourself with good people, they will always be like a family. 

Save the Date!  

 The OGA reunions have been set for 2022. If you know past students or teachers from these cohorts, please help spread the word about these enjoyable events. Bookings for our reunions can be made via www.trybooking.com 

Class of 2016 & 2017

5 Year Reunion

Saturday 19th March

The Rifle Brigade, Balcony

Class of 2010 & 2012

10 Year Reunion

Saturday 2nd April

The Brougham Arms

Class of 2001 & 2002

20 Year Reunion

Saturday 7th May

The Brougham Arms

Class of 1980, 1981 & 1982

40 Year Reunion

Saturday 7th May

The Brougham Arms

Class of 1990, 1991 & 1992 

30 Year Reunion 

Saturday 11th June

The Brougham Arms

Class of 2017

5 Year Reunion

Saturday 3rd September

The National, Courtyard

Class of 1970, 1971 & 1972

50 Year Reunion

Friday 21st October

Morning Tea and optional School Tour

Followed by lunch at the Wine Bank on View

Class of 1960, 1961 & 1962

60 Year Reunion

Friday 4th November

Morning Tea and optional School Tour

Followed by lunch at the Wine Bank on View

Class of 2021

1 Year Reunion

Friday 2nd December

GPO Bar and Restaurant, Balcony Room