#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Tayla Little (2013)

For Tayla, Year 12 presented both opportunities for personal growth and significant challenges. Her message to current Year 12s is 'you will be ok'.

Wow, just like that, 7 years after graduating at Mater Christi, I count myself lucky to be following the same passion for business as I did back in Year 12, with Ms Callahan.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Courtney Sombekke (2014)

A series of internships throughout her tertiary studies gave Courtney a clearer view of the advertising world and helped her land her first job. 

After completing VCE at Mater Christi, I went on to study a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Advertising at RMIT.  

During my time at RMIT I did a number of internships.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Emma Ryan (2007)

From Melbourne to Darwin and then to Beijing - teaching across different cultures has given Emma a unique perspective on the opportunities she has to inspire and change lives.

When I left Mater Christi at the end of Year 12, I worked for a year to support myself so I could attend the University of Ballarat.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Adriana Bonanno (2013)

Studying in Paris and London, working on fashion events in Mexico and Sydney, high profile photo shoots, music clips and a runway feature for Melbourne Fashion Week. In just seven years Adriana has an impressive list of achievements in the Fashion world.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Bridget Backhouse (2013)

When her chosen university course wasn’t the right fit, 2013 College Captain Bridget didn’t panic. She trusted her instincts, remained open to new possibilities and eventually found her passion in natural health. 

I graduated from Mater Christi College in 2013 as College Captain, all set to begin university with my first preference.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Meg McKernan (2011)

Emergency nurses are at the frontline of most medical emergencies, but Meg says nothing prepared her for COVID-19. She draws on some of the core values she learnt at Mater Christi and the courage and determination of her colleagues, to see her through these uncertain times.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Amelia Lazdins (2006)

Amelia never imagined herself as a florist and still finds it strange being called one. Yet, she has her own floristry and styling business, worked closely with well-known floral artist and eco-warrior Joost Bakker and does property styling and event floristry for Stones of the Yarra Valley.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Rochelle Kirkham (2014)

Rochelle Kirkham graduated from Mater Christi in 2014. She now works as a journalist at The Courier, a daily newspaper in Ballarat. Rochelle recently spoke to students about truth and integrity in journalism.

Throughout school I always loved writing, reading and telling stories.

#ALWAYSAMATERGIRL – Courtney Siesmaa (2015)

Class of 2015 Alumna Courtney Siesmaa knew her passion from a very young age. Her love of fashion and the visual arts lead her to pursue these subjects at school, to be accepted into an Associate Degree in Fashion Design at RMIT and more recently to secure her first job, where she is being trained as a Visual Merchandiser for JD Sports.