“When looking for schools for our eldest son, Kaleb, I’d hear stories at family dinners about St Paul’s Collegiate School—how amazing it was, how it shaped people. Honestly, I thought, what’s all the fuss about?” she admits. But that skepticism quickly faded after a conversation with then St Paul’s Headmaster Mr Lander. “He shared this profound perspective,” Lisa recalls. “St Paul’s doesn’t just focus on the five years a student spends there. It’s about the future person they become—their contributions to society and the parents they’ll one day be. That was my AHA moment” says Lisa. 

Six years ago, when Kaleb (Williams 2019-2024) began at St Paul’s, he became the third generation of Lisa’s husband’s family to attend the school. Kaleb’s grandfather, Tracey Mackay (School 1961-1662), and his father, Glen Mackay (School 1990-1993), are both St Paul’s Collegians. For Lisa, this legacy was something she had observed only from the outside. Little did she know that the St Paul’s experience would not only impact Kaleb’s life, but her own too. 

As Lisa became part of the St Paul’s community, she realised St Paul’s is much more than a school— “It’s a community that has a lifelong commitment to making a difference” says Lisa. Watching Kaleb flourish in his first year at St Paul’s made her think, “What if I had been exposed to this type of environment and these amazing teachers in my youth?”

That thought was transformative. It made Lisa reflect on how crucial it is to make this environment accessible to others who might not have the same opportunities. “There are so many young people who, because of personal or family circumstances, are held back from considering an education at a place like St Paul’s,” says Lisa. She wholeheartedly believes scholarships can be a lifeline, a way to give deserving students a chance to thrive in an environment that fosters growth, character, and ambition. It was this realisation that prompted Lisa to donate to the school’s scholarship fund. 

“At the recent St Paul’s Foundation ‘Bubbles After 5’ event, we heard from a young Futures Fund recipient, Venessa Joyce, whose gratitude was palpable. She stood on stage, thankful for every donor—big and small—who made her journey possible. Watching Venessa speak, I felt proud to be part of a community that truly values supporting each other” says Lisa.

“So, why do I give? Because I believe in the life-changing power of education and community. I give because I want to see more young people experience the support and opportunities that St Paul’s offers. I give because I believe in investing in a future where every child has a chance to reach their full potential” says Lisa.

Since Kaleb’s early days at St Paul’s, Lisa has had the privilege of connecting with recipients of the St Paul’s Futures Fund grant, often at Williams House dinners and other such events.“ Each of them has spoken of their gratitude and has expressed plans to give back to the school and the community in whatever ways they can. Many are already embodying those values, paying forward the generosity that helped shape their futures” says Lisa.

If Kaleb’s journey so far has shown Lisa anything, it’s that the impact of giving goes far beyond one person. “It touches generations, shapes communities, and creates legacies. That is the heart of St Paul’s, and that is why I give”, says Lisa.

Photo: Lisa's multigenerational family - husband Glen Mackay, son Kaleb Mackay, father-in-law Tracey Mackay