Last Friday, we celebrated our annual Old Girls' Day here at Marsden, welcoming back students who were in Year 10 (previously known as 4th Form) in a decade ending with a '4.' The turnout was incredible, with alumnae gathering to reconnect and relive cherished memories.
The day began with communion in the school chapel, followed by an All Saints' Day Service at our all-school assembly, where Old Girls were welcomed into the auditorium with a haka pōwhiri. The stage was filled with former students, and the assembly included school hymns, a performance by the school orchestra, and a beautiful piece by our premier choir, Altissime. As the Old Girls exited the assembly, the sound of hand bells rang through the music corridor, adding a touch of nostalgia to their return.
We were also pleased to announce the recipients of two very well-deserved scholarships during the assembly. Mrs Pam McConchie, President of the Old Girls’ Association, awarded the 2024 Old Girls’ Scholarship to Alexis Tzeng (Year 8) and the 2024 Nell Clere Music Scholarship to Christina He (Year 7), who then performed Rumores de La Caleta by Isaac Albeniz on the piano, showcasing her incredible talent.
Christina He - 2024 Nell Clere Music Scholarship Recipient
After the assembly, morning tea was held in the Cultural Centre, where old friends reunited over good food and shared stories. Year 10 students then took our visitors on tours around the school, providing a glimpse of the Marsden of today. Later, guests were invited back for drinks, class photos and a special dinner event, wrapping up a day filled with smiles, laughter and reminiscing about the fond times had at Marsden.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the induction of three new laureates into our Hall of Fame:
Bronwen Golder
Marsden years: 1971-1978
Bronwen was recognised for her significant contributions to conservation, both nationally and internationally, particularly in marine environmental protection.
Amelia Evans
Marsden years: 1998-2002
Amelia received her award in recognition of her impactful work as a human rights lawyer and her commitment to social justice. She is the co-founder of MSI Integrity, a company dedicated to evaluating whether multi-stakeholder initiatives protect and promote human rights and environmental standards.
Jessie Wong
Marsden years: 2003-2011
Jessie was honoured for her achievements as an entrepreneur, businesswoman, and fashion designer. She founded her company, Yu Mei, on the values of utility, regeneration, and community.
We were thrilled to celebrate their achievements and to hear from Jessie, who shared her journey and insights with our school community.
Old Girls' Day was truly a celebration of Marsden’s spirit, where memories were relived, achievements were honoured and connections were strengthened.
