Alumni

Mathias Macallister – Professional Soccer Player

Class of 2024

Mathias Macallister is a proud Barrenjoey High School alumnus who is making his mark in Australian football. A talented centre forward, he began playing with Avalon SC before joining the Sydney FC Academy at the age of 12. He now plays for Sydney FC’s men’s team, while studying a Bachelor of Business at Macquarie University. He has also represented Australia at Under-20 and Under-23 level.

During his time at Barrenjoey, from Year 7 through to Year 12, Mathias says his teachers’ compassion and support played a huge role in helping him graduate. In Year 12, when he sometimes fell behind, his teachers gave up their own time after school to help him study and prepare for his HSC exams. He credits their encouragement and dedication as an important part of his journey at Barrenjoey.

Mathias made his senior Sydney FC debut in the AFC Champions League Two in 2024–25 and has since signed a three-year professional contract with the club.

His journey from Barrenjoey to professional football is a wonderful example of the value of determination, hard work and the support of teachers who believe in their students.

Jim Colley – Olympic Sailor

Class of 2015

Jim Colley is a proud Barrenjoey High School alumnus who has achieved success at the highest level of sailing. Beginning his sailing journey on Pittwater at the age of five, Jim developed a passion for the sport that led him to represent Australia in the 49er Men’s Skiff event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A talented sailor and dedicated competitor, Jim has represented Australia on the international stage, achieving outstanding results including a silver medal at the prestigious 2023 Hyères Regatta in France alongside sailing partner Shaun Connor. His journey from local Pittwater sailing to Olympic competition reflects the values of commitment, perseverance and excellence that inspire the Barrenjoey community.

Jim’s achievements are a wonderful example of how passion, determination and a love of learning can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Barrenjoey High School is proud to celebrate Jim as part of our alumni community and the legacy he continues to build in Australian sailing.

Sam Verrills - Professional Rugby League Player

Class of 2016

Sam Verrills is a professional rugby league player who graduated from Barrenjoey High School in 2016. Growing up in Avalon, Sam played his junior rugby league with Avalon Bulldogs before progressing through the ranks to pursue a career at the highest level.

Sam made his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters in 2019 at 20 years of age. In an extraordinary debut season, he became part of the Roosters’ premiership-winning team and scored the opening try in the 2019 NRL Grand Final against the Canberra Raiders. He has gone on to establish himself as a talented and determined hooker, overcoming significant injuries to continue his professional career.

After four seasons with the Roosters, Sam joined the Gold Coast Titans in 2023, where he continues to compete in the NRL. By 2026, he had surpassed 100 NRL appearances.

From playing rugby league on the Northern Beaches to becoming an NRL premiership winner, Sam’s journey is an inspiring example of the commitment, resilience and determination required to reach the highest level of professional sport.

Angus & Julia Stone - Musicians

Class of 2001 & 2004

Music has always been part of Angus and Julia Stone’s lives. The siblings grew up surrounded by music, with their father, John Stone, teaching music at Barrenjoey. Both went on to become Barrenjoey students, with Angus graduating in 2008 and Julia in 2010.

During their time at the school, they took advantage of the many opportunities available to young musicians.

One of these was The Music Room, a monthly Sunday evening event where students could perform in front of a live audience. It was a chance to get on stage, experiment, gain confidence and learn what it was like to perform for people outside the classroom. School concerts and other performances provided further opportunities to develop their skills.

Those early experiences became part of a much bigger musical journey.

Since leaving Barrenjoey, Angus and Julia have built an international career, releasing acclaimed albums, touring extensively and winning multiple ARIA Awards. Their music, drawing on folk, indie and acoustic influences, has found an audience well beyond Australia, with tours across the UK, Europe and the United States.

Their story is a wonderful example of where talent, encouragement and opportunity can lead.

What began with two young musicians playing and developing their craft at school grew into a career that has taken their music around the world.

Angus and Julia Stone remain part of the Barrenjoey story, and their success is something our school community can be proud of.

Wendy Sharpe AM. Photograph: Greg Weight

Wendy Sharpe - Artist

Class of 1977
Wendy Sharpe AM is one of Australia’s acclaimed contemporary artists. Born in Sydney, she grew up on the Northern Beaches and attended Barrenjoey High School. She went on to study visual arts in Sydney, completing advanced art diplomas and a master’s degree.

Wendy has built an extraordinary body of work and an international reputation. She won the Archibald Prize in 1996 for her self-portrait, and has also received major national awards including the Sulman Prize and the Portia Geach Memorial Award twice. Her paintings, drawings and murals have been exhibited across Australia and internationally, with her work held in significant public collections.

In 1999, she was appointed an official war artist to East Timor, becoming the first woman to serve in the role since World War II.

In 2023, Wendy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the visual arts and the community.

Wendy has maintained a strong connection to the Northern Beaches and has generously supported Barrenjoey, donating artworks to school fundraising events. Her journey from a Northern Beaches public school to national and international recognition is a powerful example of what can grow from talent, encouragement and opportunity.