A Night to Remember: AIS Alumni Reunion in Melbourne

On a delightful evening this past April, the Australian International School (AIS) alumni gathered for a special reunion, hosted by Head of School Karrie Dietz and Principal Adam Patterson. The event took place at the Intercontinental Melbourne and was marked by the presence of 26 alumni, each eager to catch up and share stories of their paths since graduation. 

A Warm Welcome Back

The reunion was not just a gathering; it was a homecoming of sorts. Karrie Dietz and Adam Patterson welcomed everyone and shared updates about the latest happenings at AIS. It was a heartwarming sight as everyone basked in the nostalgia of their school days, reliving moments that shaped their lives.

Reconnecting and Reminiscing

The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as old classmates reconnected. Laughter filled the air as memories were recounted and life updates were shared. The alumni discussed everything from career paths and personal achievements to the fun quirks and unforgettable moments of their school days. It was a beautiful reminder of the bonds that the School experience had forged among them. 

Kaylee Heng who graduated from AIS in 2021 with a perfect score of 45 points in the International Baccalaureate, now studying Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne shares how important it is “To make the most of all the activities and opportunities on offer at AIS and get involved in a range of activities like sport, music and CCAs. The school camps gave me a global perspective and important life skills. Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations.” 

Lauren Mansfield, an AIS alumni who graduated in 2014 after a 12-year journey at the school, has since completed a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts at UNSW and is currently a producer for a travel and lifestyle show on Channel 9. Reflecting on her time at AIS, Lauren shares, “Oh gosh, I have so many favourite memories from my days at AIS—my friends, my teachers, the co-curricular activities, the camps! I am thankful for how AIS prepared me. The School’s international and open-minded approach to learning really paved the way for both my career and personal growth. I learned to think and question critically, which has made me much more effective in my job. The diverse range of experiences I had at AIS, both inside and outside the classroom, were invaluable.” 

Lara Newport, currently studying at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Brisbane shares how grateful she is for the opportunities AIS offers “The opportunity to build connections and engage with a wide diversity of individuals, all from unique backgrounds. The mandatory Chinese classes within the curriculum allowed me to continue studying the language and use it as a competitive advantage within the job industry,” 

Daisy Patterson, 2023 Sports Prefect is currently studying diagnostic radiography at Charles Sturt University. She reflects on her experience at AIS “Enjoy every second and take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you. Your schooling life is over before you know it and you will regret not taking the opportunities you could have. When you look back in life think about what you will want to remember and how you will want to remember yourself. Some of the best friends you will have will be from high school so be yourself. AIS provided me with the opportunity to undertake the IB diploma which has given me the skills needed at uni such as essay writing, referencing, time management, communication and many more. I learnt how to create good relationships with teachers and friends to excel in my learning.” 

Looking Ahead

The evening also served as a brainstorming session on how alumni can continue to engage with and contribute to the AIS community. Ideas flowed for future gatherings and initiatives, emphasising the importance of staying connected and supporting each other. This was also a chance for alumni to give feedback on how the school could further support its graduates and current students.

A Continued Connection

Karrie and Adam emphasised the school’s commitment to its alumni network and shared exciting plans for more such events, aiming to connect AIS alumni in even more locations around the world. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many alumni expressing their excitement and willingness to participate in and help organise future events.

An Invitation to Stay in Touch

As the evening drew to a close, there was a collective feeling of gratitude for a night so well spent. The AIS leaders encouraged everyone to stay in touch, not only with each other but also with the school. Alumni were reminded that the doors of AIS are always open, especially for those who find themselves in Singapore and wish to revisit the campus. If you are an AIS alumni and wish to arrange a tour please contact us here.  

For those who missed out, worry not—this is just the beginning of many more gatherings to come. If you are not already a member be sure to join the AIS Alumni Facebook Group and stay tuned for more events, and remember, once an AIS student, always part of the AIS family!