Sapphires’ Chapel Service and Lunch 2024

In October, the School hosted the annual Sapphires luncheon. Our Sapphires are our oldest alumnae – those who graduated more than 51 years ago. Women in attendance graduated between 1949 and 1973 and as you can imagine, they had many a story to tell and lots of memories to share.

In welcoming our Old Girls back to the School, I referred to some of the current projects and priorities that we are working on and acknowledged the remarkable impact that the Old Girls in attendance had made on their communities and chosen professions and how important they are as role models for our current students and young alumni.

Afterwards, I was chatting to Sandra Bates AM (Ross, 1955) who was the ‘Artistic and Governing Director of the Ensemble Theatre, Australia’s longest, continuously running professional theatre company, for 30 years from 1986 to 2017. Under her stewardship, the Ensemble grew to one of the world’s most respected playhouses. She championed Australian works; both the well-loved classics and new works; and is renowned as the longest serving Artistic Director in Australia’. She said “Lisa, you didn’t acknowledge the most important thing about our time at MLC School, it’s about friendships. By comparison, the rest doesn’t matter”.

She has certainly given me food for thought. As I chatted with the various groups present, it was quite clear that many of the friendships made during their time at MLC School have endured until the current day. The shared experiences of passing exams, the camaraderie of surviving demanding teachers and even the shared sadness when life takes an unfortunate turn, creating a bond that is often unparalleled. The trials and triumphs faced together during these formative years forge connections that are deeply ingrained. Whether it is the late-night study sessions, the shared lunches, learning a new skill at the same time, or the collective anxiety before a big exam, these moments lay the groundwork for lifelong friendships.

As I scanned the room that day, I also saw that one of the most beautiful aspects of lifelong friendships is the treasure trove of shared memories and the joy that they bring. Recounting stories from school days, laughing about old jokes, and reminiscing about past adventures, our old girls filled the room with laughter and joyous chatter.

It certainly reminded me that during our school years, we are in a constant state of learning not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. How remarkable it is to realise that your daughters may well be forming friendships that will last a lifetime, provide support at difficult times and in time, the opportunity to laugh and reconnect when they too become Sapphires.

Eminent Alumnae – Sandra Bates AM (Ross 1955)

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

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