Woodleigh School Alumni aims to maintain and enhance a vibrant community of alumni and friends worldwide.
The purpose of the Woodleigh School Alumni is to promote the welfare of Woodleigh School and to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between Woodleigh School and its alumni.
Woodleigh helps alumni connect with the school and with fellow graduates through a range of different events, services, and activities.
These days it is all too easy to stay up to date with what’s happening at Minimbah, Penbank, and Woodleigh.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and of course, make regular visits to the news sections of this site.
Of course, there's always 'Namalata,' the school's publication for current and past families, which is full of updates and stories of what Woodleigh folks are doing.
Namalata is nothing without your news – and whilst we have a good, functioning grapevine, we’d hate to miss anyone or anything. So let us know what you’re up to! We love hearing the news and stories of our past students and staff members.
We love receiving photos, stories, and other tidbits, please share with us at alumni@woodleigh.vic.edu.au or give us a call on 5971 6147.
We invite you to reconnect with Woodleigh. To update your contact details simply complete the form above.
Thirteen years is a long time to spend in any one place. That’s how long we spend at school. So it’s pretty special when people willingly choose to come back to a place they’ve grown out of.
Classes of 2003, 2011 & 2013 it's time to GET BACK to Woodleigh on Saturday 7 October at 3pm!
Join us in the Bush Chapel at our Senior Campus for drinks and nibbles whilst reminiscing about your time at Woodleigh with old friends.
Classes of 2003, 2011 & 2013 - Let us know you're comingAfter a two-year pause, we're delighted to be reinvigorating our alumni program!
We've got big plans, but first things first, we need to stay connected!
Please update your details using the form below, and share with your Woodleigh friends and encourage them to reconnect.
Over the years, Woodleigh assemblies have produced some very memorable moments. Each era will undoubtedly have its favourites, and at the end of Term 2 2023, our Arts Assembly produced a couple of absolute gems!
Live music, coupled with live portrait painting, student films and test pieces and a series of inspirational videos from past students, showcased the breadth and depth of our past students' professional journeys.
Thank you to Actor – Ella Cannon (2008), Jazz Harpist – Tara Minton (2003), Landscape Architect – Brett Robinson (1999), Musician – Maddy Kelly (2009), Glassblower – Leisa Wharington (1977), Arts Industry veteran and Producer of Get Krack!n Tamasin Simpkin (2003) and Furniture Refinisher – Tamara Gidney (2002), for taking the time to pass on your experience and wisdom to our current crop of budding arts professionals!
Ella Cannon (2008)
Tara Minton (2003)
Brett Robinson (1999)
Maddy Kelly (2009)
Leisa Wharington (1977)
Tamsin Simpkin (2003)
Tamara Slocombe (nee Gidney – 2002)
Flipping the Script: Students to Staff
WOODLEIGH'S 2022 YEAR 12 TRAINEES
Being big believers in helping young people get job ready through meaningful on-the-job education, Woodleigh has offered traineeships through the AFL SportsReady traineeship program for many years. AFL SportsReady is a national not-for-profit that has launched the careers of thousands of young people in fields as diverse as IT, Media, Visual Arts and Sport. In 2022 all three of our trainees were past students. We had a chat to Harrison Robertson (2021) Anika McClean (2020), and Aidan Bolch (2021) – to hear about their experience.
Read the full article
2022 Reunion Reflections
IT WAS THE PERFECT DAY TO COME BACK TODAY IN WOODLEIGH'S BUSH CHAPEL
When you leave Woodleigh, the Woodleigh stays with you. We spoke to Three Woodleigh alumni about what it felt like returning to campus for Reunion in late 2022, and the Woodleigh qualities they carry with them to this day.
Jess Miller (2001), Ryan Wheatley (2002), and Gabi Stanszus (2012) reflected on their time at Woodleigh School.
Apart from my friendships, probably the biggest lesson I took away from Woodleigh was the understanding that fitting in is boring. Caring about the things you actually care about – no matter how niche – is the best ticket for a life well lived. Gabi Stanszus
Read the full article
Making a Difference in the Community
WE LOVE IT WHEN PAST STUDENTS COME BACK TO SHARE THEIR STORIES!
Tahnee Burgess (2011), Dylan Bolch (2019), Caitlin Russo (2012) and Vanessa Weir (2011) returned to Senior Campus for our ‘Making a Difference in the Community’ Careers Assembly in Term 2. Addressing a crowd of Year 10 to 12 students, they spoke of their post-school journeys through tertiary education, employment progression and the twists, turns and reinventions that make up the passion and purpose-finding process that is building a career.
Read the full article
Mother's Day Out
IN WHAT IS BECOMING A MUCH-ANTICIPATED STAPLE IN THE WOODLEIGH CALENDAR, MUMS, GRANDMAS AND SPECIAL WOMENFOLK ENJOYED A LEISURELY LONG LUNCH AT MERRICKS GENERAL STORE BACK IN MAY IN CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY.
During the lunch, guests were treated to a Q & A with two well-respected and admired Woodleigh alumni; Mel Gleeson, Founder & CEO of Endota Spa, current Woodleigh parent and Woodleigh Board member; and Emma Cleine, Founder & Owner of Lumiere Art & Co, current Woodleigh parent and Leader of the Arts Learning Area.
Through an engaging conversation, Mel and Emma challenged Woodleigh women to take risks, to back themselves, and do something they are passionate about. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!
Read full article
International Women's Day Luncheon
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY THEME WAS 'BREAKING THE BIAS', AND WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE CURRENT RICHMOND AFLW PLAY & 2016 GRADUATE MEG MACDONALD AS OUR GUEST SPEAKER AT THIS YEAR'S LUNCHEON.
My Woodleigh experience was so rewarding and I feel it supported shaping who I am today. The teachers were quite remarkable, there was so much diversity throughout the school, and you could always find someone you connected with.
Read the full article
We'd love to hear your latest news so that we can share it with our community. If you’re about to start an exciting job, accomplish something inspiring, undertake further study, or have recent family news, please complete this form!
We love having past students and staff back on campus, sharing their wisdom and passion.
Careers, the Camps and Activities Programs, the Visual and Performing Arts, Sports and cultural events – there are so many opportunities for our community to be involved in Woodleigh life after leaving.
Pop your details into the form below and we look forward to having you back at Woodleigh!
Thirteen years is a long time to spend in any one place. That’s how long we spend at school. So it’s pretty special when people willingly choose to come back to a place they’ve grown out of.
It was lovely to welcome back the Class of 1993 on Saturday 18 March, for their 30 Year Reunion.
Reunion - Classes of 2001, 2002, and 2012
It was lovely to have our creative alumni back for this year's Arty Market.
We were delighted to have some 1,700 visitors join us at the 2022 Arty Market with many buying Christmas presents, listening to the student bands, and grabbing some yummy food. It was fantastic to see the creative juices flowing within our community.
Alumni Market Stallholders
Citrus Splash- Growing Sustainably Together
Hand-poured soy wax, essential oil candles with cotton wicks, use the best nature can provide. Candles are a symbol of all that is good in life. They encourage us to see things in a different light. Briony Morgan (1993)
Chloe Sophia Jewellery
Creating unique handcrafted jewellery imbued with character and life. Chloe Smart (2012)
Kii-Una Botanicals
A range of essential oils, facial serum, skin food (eczema balm), roller bottles, room sprays, lip balm, and candles. Ruth Ogier, nee Steckyj (1994)
Koa by Kaitlin
A range of handmade ceramics. Colourful ceramic vases, cups, candles (poured into our ceramic cups) bowls, and pots. Kaitlin Liddell (2007)
Lumiere Art + Co.
A range of prints, handprinted and dyed homewares. Established an online business selling accessible heirloom goods and artworks. Emma Cleine (1997)
M&M Craft
A range of personalised pencil cases, unique yarn crafts - beanies, face washers, make-up pads, etc. Miffy Farquharson (1983)
Mumma Made
A range of relishes, pickles, jam, marmalade, and mustard. Louise Evenden (1989)
Sarah Dingwall
A range of handmade glass pieces for everyday delight. Sarah Dingwall (2005)
Tina Origami
A range of origami including paper cranes on strings, individually, earrings, bracelets, and cards. Pia Murray (2021)
Webby’s Woodwork
A range of wooden indoor plant stands, indoor pots, wooden display units, and small wooden picnic tables. Kelsie Vickery (2016)
