Where Are They Now?

Recent events have put a delay on some of the annual reunion events; here we check in with the Head Girls from those year levels and share their special message to their peers during a challenging year.

10 YEARS OUT - Head Girl Lara Howden (TC’10)

Since graduating from Toorak College, Lara has completed a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Diploma of Languages in Japanese at Monash University. She has been fortunate enough to travel extensively while working and has now returned to Melbourne as a corporate lawyer in the mergers and acquisitions team at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Favourite Toorak College Memory: “House events were always a highlight, orchestra and band rehearsal, and making cheese toasties overlooking the cloisters when we finally made it to Year 10 and got to share the common room in the Hamilton building with all the teachers down the hall.”

Message of Support: “Inspired by Roosevelt ‘A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor’. This storm too shall pass.”

20 YEARS OUT - Head Girl Meg McKinnon (TC’00)

After a gap year in the UK, Meg studied medicine at Monash University then completed specialist training in Emergency Medicine. Meg met her husband Brendan whilst working in Darwin before they moved to Dublin and Papua New Guinea. Meg and Brendan are now both back in Melbourne and have a young son together, Andy.

Favourite Toorak College Memory: “I have a wonderful memory of walking the Overland Track in Tassie, enjoying the views of Cradle Mountain whilst chatting to friends (that I still cherish now), picking the chocolate bits out of my scroggin and trying to avoid frostbitten toes!”

Message of Support: “These are tough times for many people in our community and around the world. It is easy to feel overwhelmed but together we will get through this. When roots are deep, there is no need to fear the wind.”

30 YEARS OUT - Head Girl Paula Maxted (Bristow, TC’90)

A love of school, developed from her time at Toorak College, led Paula to pursue a career in Education. Paula now works in a tiny rural Victorian school teaching students the wonders of VCE Biology and Agricultural Horticultural Studies. Paula met her ‘farmer’ husband 20 years ago and together with their children Gemma, Ava and Kyen, they enjoy a busy country lifestyle that comes with managing their sheep and cropping property.

Favourite Toorak College Memory: “So many wonderful friendships formed and an endless array of opportunities to get involved in learning and extra-curricular activities. The colour and enthusiasm of our House Swimming and Athletics sports, Cross Country inter school championships fought out amongst the rain and mud, athletics at Olympic Park under lights, the fierce competition and fashionable caps of inter school Water Polo and of course the hilarity of the bus trips and team spirit that is legendary at Toorak.”

Message of Support: “Life, like farming, is always unpredictable. While we all have plans, hopes and dreams, things do not always go the way we’d like. Plans regularly need to be reviewed and adapted in response to environmental condition; as farmers do in times of hardship. However, what farmers do and what we all must do right now, is to hold strong to our hopes and dreams. While 2020 has certainly been a year of challenges to date, for some more than others, we need to grasp hold of the positives. Take time to remind yourself of the little things that make you smile, the simple things in life that sometimes get overlooked in the business of life. Each day I am so grateful for the sun shining through our front window, the fresh air blowing through the trees on the breeze, the bleating of the newborn lambs frolicking in the paddocks, the laughter of my children and the blessings of family and friendships. I wish you all the best, keep in touch with your loved ones, laugh when you can and I very much look forward to catching up with the class of 1990 later in the year. Sending love and smiles.”

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.”

CLASS OF 2010, 2000, 1990, 1980 REUNIONS We look forward to welcoming you back to Toorak College and will keep you informed of a revised reunion date as soon as we are able.