The Elephant 2020 37
RECENT COLLEGIAN GRANT RECIPIENTS In 2019, the Toorak Collegians Association were proud to issue two financial grants as part of the Collegians Grants program. 40 YEARS OUT
Head Girl Caroline Gill (Piggott, TC’80)
Post school, Caroline graduated from Melbourne University with a BEd in art and craft and went on to teach in rural and city schools such as Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop campus in Merrijig and to Indigenous students in the Riverina. Caroline married a farmer and her family has spent 20 years on a property in Deniliquin growing rice and cattle. The Gill family recently moved back to the Mornington Peninsula where Caroline is now teaching. Favourite Toorak College Memory “My recent memory of school is of our typing classes which I am most grateful for as I now have to teach online! But mostly I treasure the lifelong friends I made at Toorak.” Message of Support “It is times such as now that show how precious our friends and family are and that it is the small things in life that matter. I know our 40 year reunion will be even more treasured when we finally meet.”
50 YEARS OUT
Head Girl Sally Doig (O’Neill, TC’70)
Sally graduated from Melbourne University with a BA,Dip Ed in 1974 and went on to teach humanities in various schools, including Toorak College. Sally and her husband Lester and children Christopher and Clare spent a total of 12 years living abroad in NZ, Singapore and Hong Kong, before returning to Mount Eliza in 2007, where she is now also a grandmother to two grandchildren. Favourite Toorak College Memory “My favourite memories are of playing Pennant matches against Clyde School in Woodend. The highlight for us was the post match celebrations and 'feast' in the old Elephant building, especially if we were victorious.” Message of Support “We are living in troubled times but there will be an end to this misery. Stay connected and stay well.”
TOORAK COLLEGIANS GRANT Recipient Jaymie Moynihan (TC’16)
The Collegians Grants program exists to foster entrepreneurship, innovation and creative endeavour in the Collegian Community. Projects available for funding of up to $1,000 can be in the Arts, Sports, Science, Community or Charity areas. In 2019, Jaymie Moynihan (TC’16) was awarded a Toorak Collegians Grant in support of her initiative ‘Scarves for Social Change’. Jaymie and her team of recruited volunteers knit scarves and sell them in order to raise funds for Youth Projects, an organisation aimed at supporting homeless and disadvantaged youth. As at April 2020, Jaymie’s initiative has seen her raise $3000 for Youth Projects through knitting 36 scarves, 14 beanies and 14 dishcloths consistently over a 9 month period. Jaymie’s grant funding was used to purchase fabric and supplies which she anticipates will last her a further 12 months. If you are interested in finding out more about Scarves for Social Change or would like to become a volunteer knitter, visit scarvesforsocialchange.wordpress.com
JOAN MINSON GRANT Recipient Lauren B (Year 10)
The Joan Minson Grant is issued to a Year 10 student each year in recognition of their demonstration of good citizenship. The award is named after Joan Minson (TC’28) who was the first Head Girl of Toorak College after our move to Mount Eliza. Joan continued her connection with the school throughout her entire lifetime as Board Member, Toorak Collegians Association President and Life Governor and dedicated member of the Archives Department. Lauren was chosen as the recipient of this award as she was able to demonstrate her understanding of good citizenship and examples of when she has shown this trait in her school life. In her application, Lauren notes “The values of good citizenship impact our community by creating a positive, caring, and encouraging environment for students to learn in, and developing a sense of spirit in the community, arguably being one of the most integral parts of Toorak College.”
