A.B. Paterson College Alumni - Old Collegians

The future is bright for 2025 College alumna Matilda Grant.

With an outstanding 99.95 ATAR, Matilda's journey is proof that success comes down to resilience and commitment. At A.B. Paterson College we're proud to see these values come to life.

Recently featured in the Gold Coast Bulletin, Matilda is inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and aim higher.

Read the full story here https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/partner-content/ab-paterson-college-setting-the-standard-on-the-gold-coast/news-story/5af577f483c05ec50f534c50069d2b09

Lady Elliot Island custodian Amy Gash (A.B. Paterson College Alumni Class of 2009) has turned her childhood adventures growing up on the Great Barrier Reef into a children’s book series to inspire future marine conservation.

Amy and her family including parents Peter and Julie Gash and sister Chloe Gash, have dedicated the past 20 years to protecting the environment and transforming Lady Elliot Island into a world-class eco-tourism destination.

The first book in the Ellie’s Reef Adventures series launched on 13 April 2026 introduces readers to Bubbles the Bottlenose Dolphin who Amy grew up with and who is a regular visitor to the Island. 🐬

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Matilda and Tianyu, who were recognised with a Distinguished Academic Achievement Award at the Premier’s QCE Student Awards Ceremony.

Out of more than 57,000 Year 12 students across Queensland in 2025, only 37 students were honoured for their exceptional academic achievements, a remarkable testament to their dedication and excellence.

This exceptional group of young people stood out not only for their academic success, but for their curiosity, their open-mindedness, their desire for global connection and for their strong commitment to giving back to their communities.

Matilda and Tianyu embody these qualities beautifully. Their achievements reflect both their hard work and their passion for making a positive impact in the world 🌏

We are so proud of you both.

Happy ! 🎓 Huge thanks to the incredible teachers & staff who make our College community amazing every single day. 💚💛

Recognise anyone from these throwbacks? 👀

For most children, “running away with the circus” is just a dream. But for Old Collegian, Helena, it became her reality.

Her extraordinary journey from the Gold Coast to starring in Cirque du Soleil productions worldwide is a captivating tale of passion and unwavering support from A.B. Paterson College.

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sponsored/LuGh68EoNt2yNLBqVZ5f/how-a-top-gold-coast-school-is-helping-graduates-take-the-leap/

Congratulations to Emelia Surch – 2021 A.B. Paterson College graduate and now beloved Athletics Coach – who brought home bronze in the heptathlon at the World University Games in Germany!

With a career-best score of 6068 points, Emelia impressed across all events – especially on Day 2, where she delivered a final-attempt javelin PB of 42.13m and carved 3 seconds off her 800m time (2:13.66) 🔥

Guided by Olympic champion Glynnis Nunn, Emelia’s journey is an inspiration to every student she now coaches.

Honouring the Life of James Harder

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of James Harder, a treasured member of our A.B. Paterson College Alumni, Class of 2021, who tragically passed away at the age of 21 on Friday, 11 July 2025.

James was a deeply thoughtful and inspirational young man, remembered fondly by all who knew him. In his final year at the College, he served passionately as a College Leader and College Co-Curricular Captain. Beyond his academic and leadership responsibilities, James truly cherished each moment, consistently demonstrating genuine care and empathy for his peers and the wider community. His kindness, warmth, and joyful spirit epitomized the heart of our College.

James touched the lives of many with his infectious enthusiasm and sincere compassion. His memory will live on as a beacon of inspiration and kindness within our College community.

We extend our deepest condolences to James’s parents, Shaunagh and David Harder, his sister Eden, his close friends, and all those who knew and loved him. May they find comfort in knowing how profoundly James was admired, how thoughtfully he lived his life, and how fondly he will be remembered by everyone at our College.

May he rest peacefully.

📢 Attention Class of 2024 - Your First Reunion is Here! 🎉

We’re so excited to welcome you back to the College for your very first reunion as Old Collegians!

Join us Friday August 1 for a relaxed breakfast and the chance to reconnect with your classmates, hear what everyone’s been up to since graduation and enjoy a morning of memories and mateship.

We'll also be handing out your 2024 College yearbook – The Banjo!

📅 Date: Friday, August 1 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30am – 9:00am
📍 Venue: Matilda’s Café, A.B. Paterson College

Registrations close Friday, 25 July – RSVP now via the Community Hub:
🔗 https://communityhub.abpat.qld.edu.au/event/class-of-2024-welcome-back-catch-up

We can’t wait to see you back on campus!