Michael Calder
Class of 2012
Michael, an ordained priest in the Anglican Church, is helping people to come to know Jesus for the first time and grow in their relationship with him.
During his Year 13 Gap Year program, Michael spent time studying theological subjects, getting to know other like-minded young people, leading the youth group at the Anglican Church of Noosa, and being involved in the Christian Education department at St Andrew's. Since then, Michael has completed studies at St Francis Theological College where he graduated in 2018.
As an Assistant Minister at St Bart's Toowoomba, Michael leads the Sunday Services department and helps people study the bible through their Training Centre. This role also sees him lead the music program, something he was very much involved in at the College.
One thing that has stuck with Michael is the Year 10 mountain biking camp, which he reluctantly attended but made it with the encouragement of Mr Rudkin! Michael is now a keen cyclist, riding 120km a week and participating in yearly charity rides.
What did you do directly after school? Studies, travel, living etc
Directly after school I did a gap year program called Year 13. This involved going down to Sydney for some theological subjects throughout the year, getting to know lots of other young people who were following Jesus, a month’s mission trip to Fiji, leading the youth group at the Anglican Church of Noosa, and also being involved in the Christian Education department at St Andrew’s.
Did you study at University and graduation news etc?
In 2015 I commenced studies at the Queensland Theological College (QTC) where I began my Bachelor of Theology. After entering the program for ordination in the Anglican Church I completed my final year at St Francis Theological College where I graduated in 2018. In 2019 I was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church and then ordained as a priest in 2020.
What are you currently doing workwise?
I am currently working as an Assistant Minister at St Bart’s Toowoomba. My work involves leading the Sunday Services department, regular preaching and pastoral visiting, and also helping people study the bible more through our Training Center.
What are your long-term goals?
My greatest long-term goal is to help people to come to know Jesus for the first time and then grow in their relationship with him!
What were your interests during school… sport, music etc and are you still involved?
My main interest in school was music. The music subjects with Mr Cade Bonar were the highlights of my week. My role at St Bart’s involves leading the music program so I’m still very much involved! I also loved coming back to St Andrew’s and playing in some of the musicals.
What are your highlights from school, teachers, programs etc?
One highlight that will stick with me would be Year 10 mountain biking camp. It was my last preference and I wasn’t particularly fit either so wasn’t looking forward to it. But once I was there, Mr David Rudkin hung back with me and encouraged me along and I made it! Nowadays I cycle about 120km a week and do a yearly charity ride of 1000km in a week for the Mission Aviation Fellowship.
Do you stay in touch with friends from school?
Only with a couple of close mates.
Have you visited the College in recent years and if so what are your thoughts on the new facilities (eg Learning Hub, Aquatic Centre)?
It was great to go to the Anglican Church of Noosa Peregian Church that meets in the room above the pool. The facility really blew me away and is such a great resource for the school.