Remembering Highview Founders

Vale Michael Lovell

Highview College Board and staff were particularly saddened at the recent death of Michael Lovell, a staunch supporter of the school since its inception in 1973.

Michael first became involved with the College when, as interested parties, he and his wife Margaret got behind the idea of establishing an ecumenical school in Maryborough. This was prior to their three children, David, Jane & Ian, who attended the College from the late 70s to the late 80s.

Michael became a founding member of the first College Board and was Chair 1979-1982 and 1988-1989.

Commencing in 1974, Michael was the Building Projects Manager, overseeing the original ‘grey wing’ (now the Brigidine Wing) and ‘red brick wing’ (now the CIA) extensions. He was also responsible for organising the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency Sir Zelman Cowen, to open the new extension of the CIA in 1980. The Governor-General visited several other businesses in town, making for an important day for the Maryborough area.

Michael was a staunch supporter of the College’s Liaison Committee, even flying to Canberra to liaise in order to obtain solar energy at Maryborough – a man before his time!

While being involved in many aspects of the College over the years, Michael also worked as an Engineering Manager and a Consultant Engineer in the community

Even after their youngest child, Ian, completed his education in the late 1980s, Michael and Margaret continued to support the College by attending openings of buildings and any special services whenever invited.

In 2017, Michael joined the newly established History Committee, where his memories, stories and cheeky sense of humour was appreciated by all.

Both Michael and Margaret were awarded Life Memberships of Highview College in acknowledgement of their early work during the school’s establishment and ongoing support in subsequent years. ‘The Lovells’ were that rare breed who, quietly and consistently, over many years made a difference to their community and in particular helped to ensure that Highview College is the success it is today.

The Highview family greatly misses both Michael and Margaret and thanks them for all their support over the years.

Vale Margaret Lovell

Highview College Board and staff were particularly saddened at the recent death of Margaret Lovell, a staunch supporter of the school since its inception in 1973.

Highview Principal, Melinda Scash said that Margaret's contribution to both Highview College and the wider Maryborough community ‘exemplified Christ's message of love, humility and service’.

“She was tireless in her contribution to strengthening community and purpose,” Ms Scash said.

Margaret first became involved with the College when, as parents and interested parties, she and her husband Michael got behind the idea of establishing an ecumenical school in Maryborough.

Before the eldest of her children, David, started Year 7 at Highview in 1977 Margaret was already investing a lot of her time in the school, organising and participating in working bees and in fundraising.

She also served in the early years of the school’s existence in the voluntary position as the Co-ordinator of the Work Experience program.

While her three children (David, Jane & Ian) attended the school throughout the late 70’s and 80’s she was an integral part of the Parents & Friends Association, taking on the positions of both Secretary and President.

Past pupils and staff who knew Margaret over the years remember her as a quiet achiever, often working behind the scenes ensuring the job got done.

For many years, as part of the Parents & Friends Association, she worked tirelessly in the voluntary position of Catering Manager for fundraising events.

Though fundraising was a constant activity she sometimes had to deal with things a little out of the ordinary.

In 1980 she was called upon to host the Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen’s visit to open the red brick extension to the College.

Some years later she took on the mammoth task of organising the catering for the Great Victorian Bike Ride during the riders’ visit to Maryborough.

Though her youngest child, Ian, completed his education at Highview in 1989, Margaret, along with Michael, continued to be a staunch supporter, attending openings of buildings and any special services whenever invited.

Last year, at the age of 87, she joined the newly established History Committee, attending every meeting held up until her passing.

Both Margaret and Michael were awarded Life Memberships of the Highview Christian Community College in acknowledgement of their early work during the school’s establishment and ongoing support in subsequent years.

Ms Scash said that Margaret's long involvement over more than 40 years helped shape Highview's commitment to making a difference.

"She will be greatly missed as part of the Highview family," she said.

Help us celebrate 120 years

The Highview College History Committee meets on the first Monday of every month in the Boardroom. We are capturing the stories of Highview’s beginning. 

In 2024 Highview College will celebrate 120 years of continuous education on the site selected by the Brigidine Order and which opened in November 1903. 

Come and join us, share a story and a laugh.