Wangaratta High School Alumni

26/08/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Rheegan Ellis (Class of 2021) 🌟

From House Captain to communications professional, Rheegan has turned a passion for storytelling into an exciting career. During her time at Wangaratta High School, English and Media were her favourite subjects, inspiring her love of communication and shaping her future pathway.

After graduating, Rheegan moved to Geelong to study a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism, and even completed a study term in London.

Today, she works in ad strategy for a Geelong-based agency, supporting more than 50 clients across Australia. Alongside this, she runs her own user-generated content business, creating high-performing campaigns for brands including The Oodie, SHARK and HelloFresh.

We love seeing our alumni thrive. Congratulations, Rheegan! 👏🎓✨

05/08/2026

Last term was a busy one for our Alumni Program, with four alumni sessions featuring eight former students and a past Assistant Principal.

Our final session for the term welcomed local criminal defence lawyer Jessie Knights (Class of 2011) back to speak with VCE Legal Studies students.

Jessie shared insights into her university journey, the cost of studying law, and changes within the profession, including the rise of flexible work arrangements. Although her office is based in Melbourne, she is able to live and work primarily in North East Victoria.

Students also heard about some of the interesting and challenging cases Jessie has worked on, and she generously offered advice to anyone considering a career in law.

Thank you, Jessie, for inspiring the next generation. 👏

29/07/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Jessie Knights (Class of 2011) 🌟

Jessie’s passion for English Literature, Legal Studies and Psychology at Wangaratta High School sparked a journey into law.

After studying Law and International Relations at La Trobe University and graduating with Honours in Law, Jessie began her career in criminal law.

Today, she works as a Criminal Defence Lawyer with Victoria Legal Aid. Jessie fondly remembers the support of her teachers, particularly Dennis Wong and Amanda Coulthard, and the friendships she formed at school.

We’re proud to celebrate Jessie’s achievements and the difference she is making in the community. 👏🎓

23/07/2026

ThrowbackThursday!

Taking it back to 2010, when Wangaratta High School’s cross-country skiing teams carved their names into the history books!

🏆 Inter Boys – State & National Champions (Relay and Freestyle)
🏆 Inter Girls – Victorian Interschools State Champions (Relay)
🏆 Junior Girls – State & National Champions (Relay)

From the ski trails to the podium, these teams showed what can be achieved through hard work and school spirit.

Do you remember these championship-winning teams or the 2010 snow season? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!

15/07/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Jasmine Kinderis (Class of 2017) 🌟

From Deputy Head Prefect and Youth Mayor to flight attendant and education leader, Jasmine’s journey since graduating from Wangaratta High School has been nothing short of inspiring.

During her school years, Jasmine was actively involved in leadership, music, field hockey and Italian studies, including exchange trips to Verona, Italy. She also appeared on ABC’s Q&A through Global Studies, gaining national attention for her contribution to a discussion on same-sex marriage.

After completing a Bachelor of International Relations at La Trobe University, Jasmine worked in advocacy and the not-for-profit sector before taking to the skies with Virgin Australia as a Flight Attendant, flying both domestic and international routes.

Today, Jasmine works with the Victorian Department of Education, helping deliver major senior secondary and vocational education reforms across the state. Outside of work, she co-runs independent game development company Void Shack Studio, creating board and digital games with her partner, Jake.

We’re proud to see Jasmine making an impact in education, creativity and beyond.

10/07/2026

Our Alumni Coordinator, Megan DeFazio, featured on Ourschool, an organisation that helps government schools, like WHS, build thriving alumni (past student) communities.

03/07/2026

Flashback Friday: 30 Years of Kool Skools!

The recently shared a ‘Flashback Friday’ featuring and Kool Skools, inspiring us to celebrate our long history with the program.

Kool Skools began in 1996, and WHS has been involved since 1997, marking nearly 30 years of writing and recording music with (formerly Studio 52). Along the way, we’ve celebrated wins in 1998 and 2002 and many finalist appearances.

We even uncovered photos from the 20-year Kool Skools celebration with Molly Meldrum and WHS students! WHS was also the first school in the world to record and release 20 albums of original student music.

Another highlight is that many of our current music teachers are former WHS students who participated in Kool Skools.

Scott Solimo (Class of 1992), now Performing Arts Learning Area Leader, and leading teacher of school operations, began teaching at WHS in 2009 and continues to perform professionally.

Keyna Macphee (Class of 2006), now Instrumental Music Program Leader, participated in Kool Skools in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Laurence Adorni-Dickson (Class of 2017) took part from Year 8 to 12 and features on the 2016 and 2017 albums.

▶️ https://youtu.be/Fi9jHbeun98

Were you involved? Let us know or join our alumni program!

25/06/2026

📣 Calling all Wangaratta High School classmates (1977–1982)!

Did you start Form 1 in 1977 or finish Form 6 in 1982?

Or were you part of Wangaratta High during those years?

Check out the attached flyer for all the details - plus a few fun throwback snaps from the ’81 and ’82 yearbooks.

Don’t miss this special reunion - get in touch with Jurgen or Paul, they’d love to see you there!

24/06/2026

Big shoutout to our amazing alum Stuart Batten, featured in the Wangaratta Chronicle! Thanks again for coming back and sharing your story with our students earlier this term 🙌

The former Wangaratta High School student visited his old stomping grounds to share his passion

18/06/2026

A Memorable Visit from a WHS Legend - Brian O'Flynn

Our recent staff meeting was made truly special with the return of former Assistant Principal Brian O’Flynn, affectionately known as BOF. He was joined by his daughter, Helen O’Flynn, a former WHS student (Class of 1993).

Now 85 years young, Brian served as Assistant Principal at WHS throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including periods as Acting Principal. He took us on a delightful journey down memory lane, sharing stories of his early days at WHS and reflecting on the wider Wangaratta community. As always, his wit and sharp memory were on full display.

What resonated most was Brian’s enduring commitment to putting students first. When asked what subject he taught, his response was always:

“I teach the kids.”

This simple yet powerful message is a timely reminder of our purpose as educators.
After the meeting, Brian stayed on to chat with staff and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect.

Thank you, Brian and Helen, for sharing your stories, wisdom, and valued school history. 💙💛