Preshil values its extended family and we encourage all our friends, alumni, past staff and parents to stay in touch and involved to ensure Preshil remains the special place it has been for upwards of 80 years.
While still in her final year studying Architecture at RMIT and just 24 years old, Zahava Elenberg co-established architecture firm, Elenberg Fraser.
Her first project was the 26 level Liberty Tower. She later created two successful new businesses and balances a busy career with motherhood.
Preshil gave Zahava the determination, initiative and belief in herself to aim high.
Dr Gideon Boas worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for nine years and was the Court’s principal lawyer on the Milosevic case.
Among his many achievements, he has published six books and many articles on International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
It is our pleasure to highlight the remarkable achievements of one of our alumni, Louise Davidson.
Many of you will already know Louise as the mum of Kaye, Lily and Rosie at Preshil but may not be aware of her role in establishing and managing the Mothers Day Classic Walk/Run for Breast Cancer Research.Having lost her mum to breast cancer.
Louise led the establishment and growth of the Mothers Day Classic event, a phenomenon that has raised over $5.7 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation since 1998 and attracted 80,000 participants nationally in 2009.
In 2008 Louise was inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll for Women in recognition for her work on the Mothers Day Classic.Louise currently works for Cbus, the industry superannuation fund for the building and construction industry, as ESG Investment Manager. In this role she is responsible for the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance issues in Cbus’ investment processes.
Louise has worked in the superannuation industry for 20 years. Louise is also Secretary of the Investor Group on Climate Change, Deputy Chair of ESG Research Australia, a member of the Steering Committee for the Carbon Disclosure Project in Australia, National Chair of the Mothers Day Classic and National Secretary of Women in Super.
With a love of learning that was fostered at Preshil, Ben Cleveland found his passion for education. An experienced primary and secondary school teacher, Ben’s research focuses on the design of learning environments that support contemporary educational philosophies – such as those found at Preshil.
Lauren created sporting history when she won the first Olympic medal for Taekwondo at the Sydney Games.
Lauren is a Naturopath Nutritionist (BHSc), a highly sought-after speaker and runs her own business – ‘Love Your Planet’ – an eco-friendly Zip Bag business.
Preshil helped Lauren develop the focus and determination necessary to become an Olympic champion, and when asked about her time here shares a beautiful sentiment, “I loved Preshil and the wonderful friendships I developed”
Anton is a Melbourne based fine furniture designer and maker who cites his influences as Biedermeier, Shaker and Art Deco.
After leaving school and studying at the Melbourne School of Woodcraft, Anton gained experience working for other furniture makers before starting up his own business, now located in Victoria Road, Hawthorn.
His work is a mixture of private one-off commissions, architectural fit outs and batch production work that he wholesales to architects, interior designers and retailers.
Many of his designs feature highly figured veneers, however he prefers to work in solid timber, both Australian and imported. Contrasting timbers and inlay details also feature often in his work. Anton is all about high quality construction and finish and loves to harness the full power of jigs and top end technology to achieve his aims.
Anton has had work accepted for Design Book Six published by Fine Woodworking Magazine and is a regular contributor to the Australian Wood Review magazine. Over the 17 years he has been exhibiting, his work has won him numerous awards including the Natural Feature in Furniture Award, one of the most prestigious awards for furniture design in Australia. One-off exhibition pieces have been purchased and are held in many private collections throughout Australia.
Anton’s love of creation began at Preshil where he discovered a passion and unquestionable skill for woodworking.
Awarded Prix de la Photographic, Steph has won various national and international awards for her unique art. She is best known for her pinhole work (panoramic montages taken with a camera made from a biscuit tin), and has exhibited her work worldwide, including in Parliament House, New York City and the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
We were delighted to hear Clare winning Best Female Artist at the ARIAs in 2006.
Co-founder and Creative Director of Melbourne’s Sleepers Publishing, Zoe Dattner has enjoyed a distinguished career. She passionately believes in the capabilities of the small press sector to give a voice to new writers and storytellers.
A gift that was nurtured at Preshil has taken Lisa Gorton on a spectacular path.
Studies in literature led her to a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University where she completed a Doctorate in Literature. Her first poetry collection won the Victorian Premier's Prize for Poetry. She is also the author of Cloudland and published in three countries.
Studies in literature led her to a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University where she completed a Doctorate in Literature. Her first poetry collection won the Victorian Premier's Prize for Poetry. She is also the author of Cloudland and published in three countries.
Kaya is known for her roles in The Saddle Club and Neighbours.
Archives
Past pupil Libby Shade (nee Grierson) volunteers as Alumni Coordinator. Libby works with the school and other volunteers to collect and maintain the alumni records for Arlington, as well as archival documents, photographs, video and artefacts.
If you have any material you wish to share with the archives department, please email us.
Friends of Preshil
Friends of Preshil include past parents/guardians, staff and students of the school and others who have a personal interest or association with Preshil.
If you are (or would like to become) a Friend of Preshil, we encourage you to update or register your current details.
Reunions
Reunions provide an opportunity for past students to reconnect, share memories and catch up on one another’s news. As a small school in which students make friends across various year levels, our reunion program aims to bring together former students from across multiple years.
All class members are invited to their respective reunions and invitations are forwarded to those for whom contact details are available on our database.
Former students who graduated from Preshil in different years to those for which reunions have been organised, but who would like to catch up with former school friends from these years, are also welcome.
If you would like the opportunity to attend these in the future as they arise, are interested in organising a reunion for your graduating class or you know of anyone else from your year who may be interested, we encourage you to email us with details so we can assist you.