Alumnae Association
The Diocesan Alumnae Association was founded in 1911.
The Diocesan Alumnae Association (formerly known as the Old Girls’ League) encourages fellowship among alumnae of the School and fosters their continued association with Diocesan. It has almost 17,000 members worldwide.
The Associations’ primary role is fellowship and reconnecting friends from school days through an active reunion programme, Founders Day, networking events and other special events. The Association contributes financially to the school through scholarships and bursaries, and support for the School’s capital campaigns and is a main contributor to the Dio Today magazine.
Dio alumnae have representation on and enthusiastically contribute to every part of the school family, including the Board of Governors, the Heritage Foundation, members of staff, and the parents.
Alumnae Association Key Dates
View our key dates for 2024 here
Each year we welcome alumnae back to the School for their 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 year out reunions which are hosted on Founders’ Day. In addition to this we also host a one-year out reunion annually. The School, in conjunction with the Association, host international reunions as arranged. All past students who attended Diocesan regardless of whether they completed their schooling at Dio or not are welcome. Invitations are sent well in advance – please ensure we have your correct details on record. To learn more contact [email protected].
The Alumna Merita awards were established in 1990 to give recognition to alumnae who have achieved a high degree of excellence in their chosen fields, and by their example are role models for the current Diocesan students. The awards are given for service to the particular area of expertise and are an extension of the School motto, Ut Serviamus, meaning ‘in order that we may serve’.
Women2Watch is an opportunity to identify, acknowledge and celebrate the huge contributions – both national and global – being made by some of our 2,400 alumnae aged 35 and under. The Heritage Foundation and Alumnae Association, under whose auspices the Women2Watch event is run, believe it is a great opportunity to recognise those inspirational and talented women who are making their mark on the world and are Dio’s rising stars. These women are invited back to the School to share their experiences and learning with current students.
The Diocesan Alumnae Association Bursary was established for girls whose Mother or Principal Caregiver is / was an Alumnae member and who without the financial assistance of the Bursary, would otherwise be unable to attend Dio. The Bursary is for partial financial assistance (50%) towards the payment of tuition fees only and is available for up to a 7 year period from years 7-13, subject to the satisfactory progress of the student each year. Selection considerations include, potential and past contributions of the student and family to Dio and/or the Alumnae Association. Applications open in the December – February of the year preceding a Year 7 start date.
The Spirit of Adventure fund was set up by the League in 1985 from a $2,000 bequest and $4,000 from funds raised during the year. The income from that fund paid for one berth per annum on each of the Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of New Zealand.
Today, the Alumnae Association sponsors up to 10 berths, each year, on the Spirit of Adventure 10 Day Challenge, for girls in Year 11 or Year 12. The Scholarship is a 50% contribution towards the voyage cost. The 10 Day Challenge is about overcoming obstacles, learning tolerance and acceptance, improving communication and leadership skills and learning the importance of self-awareness and being a part of a team. All girls are encouraged to apply. Applications open in Term 1 of either Year 11 or Year 12.
The Alumnae Association enjoys hosting the Graduation Ball annually to recognise the transition of Year 13 girls from student to alumnae.
Diocesan Alumnae Association Committee
| President | Committee |
| Emily Steel (Houlker) | Liz Eglinton (Tingey) |
| Vice President | Sarah Mackenzie (Macalister) |
| Sheryl Tan | Damaya Pasupati (Rasanathan) |
| Treasurer | Rachael Brand |
| Felicity Buche (Olson) | Sarah Liebmann (Gibbons) |
| Executive Assistant | Lena Saad |
| Nicki de Villiers (Dods) | Danielle Harper (Benjamin) |
| Dio Today Editor | |
| Deirdre Coleman | |
| Dio Today email: [email protected] |
We encourage all alumnae to share news, events and achievements and update their contact details. Please fill out the online staying connected forms.
You can also reach out to us through our social channels:
For information on our events, to submit an article for Dio Today or to contact a committee member,
Email: [email protected]
Post: Diocesan School Alumnae Association, PO Box 28382, Remuera, Auckland, 1541.
We contribute to Dio Today, the School magazine issued twice a year and would be delighted to hear from you. Please email all submissions to [email protected]
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