The first of these celebrations took the form of a whole school Mass in the Emmanuel Centre. Concelebrated by Bishop Paul Bird, Fr. Lawrence O’Toole, Fr. John Fitzgerald and Fr. John Corrigan, the event gave us the time to reflect on the history of our school community and what it means to us. The occasion was attended by all staff and students, plus attracted the presence of dozens of Sisters of Mercy from all over the State, along with many other alumni and supporters of Catholic Education.
Principal, Peter Morgan commented, “It was a proud moment for all of us, not just being part of something unique, but knowing we belong to something with such a significant history and that we continue to build upon that history today.”
At the conclusion of mass, Sr. Sylvia Williams rsm, immediate past Chair of the Mercy Education Board, gifted Emmanuel College a beautiful silver processional cross. It was recognised as a symbol that we are now part of the Mercy Education community in Australia and around the world. The custom-made cross was crafted with great care by a master in Melbourne, who is also known for making several Melbourne Cups.
It was a proud moment for all of us, not just being part of something unique, but knowing we belong to something with such a significant history and that we continue to build upon that history today.Peter Morgan
The gathering of so many within our community provided the perfect opportunity to recognise some of the people who have loyally served the Emmanuel College community throughout the years.
Sisters Marie Mansbridge (St Ann’s 1958) and Kathlyn O’Brien (St Ann’s 1955) were acknowledged for their unwavering love for this school. Mr Morgan highlighted, “Like the eight Sisters who arrived in 1872, Sr. Marie and Sr. Kathlyn are part of the unbroken, 150 year line of influential women, who dedicated their lives to mercy and service in this community.”
Recently retired, Fr. Lawrie O’Toole was recognised and farewelled for his lifetime of chaplaincy at both St Ann’s and Emmanuel Colleges. “We thank you for all the times and all the ways you have helped this community to understand the real meaning of Emmanuel; that God is with us.” Mr Morgan said.
College Captain, Lucy El-Hage, with our new processional cross, leads Fathers John, John and Lawrie, and Bishop Paul Bird
Gathered at the post-Mass morning tea, Veronica Hughson (St Ann’s 1984), Sr Linda Hewitt, Jacinta Skilbeck (Emmanuel 1994), Fr Lawrie O’Toole, Sr Eileen Ann Daffy, Marie Morgan and Sr Marie Mansbridge (St Ann's 1958)
Bishop Paul Bird
College Deputy Captains, Jamie Lloyd and Bree Fox
The next event on our 150-Year calendar was that of the launch of Emmanuel College’s first history book: Common Threads: 150 years of stories from St. Ann’s, CBC and Emmanuel College.
More than sixty people gathered in the College library giving rise to a celebratory atmosphere to accompany the launch of this beautiful collection of photos, stories and quotes from the people of our community through the decades. Guests came together to listen to Principal Peter Morgan, and author, Jean Christie and get their hands on the very first copies.
Alumni, Felicity Clancey, Jo Merriman and Kerrie Sobey (all St Ann's 1981)
Principal, Peter Morgan; Author, Jean Christie; and Designer, Melissa Crothers
Sisters Marie and Kathlyn with students, Amelia Foard and Sithum Kumarapperuma
Dr Josie Munro, Ms Helen Hodson, Ms Brigid Foard (Emmanuel 1998) and Ms Claire Wrigley
Kim Tobin (St Ann's 1979), Helen Kelly (St Ann's 1976) and Justin Houlihan (CBC 1990)
Lucy El-Hage, Sithum Kumarapperuma, Amelia Foard and Ash Perrott
Ms Jean Christie
Mr Peter Morgan
Ms Melissa Crothers
At the launch, Mr Morgan commented that “the launch of a history book presupposes there is a good story to tell, and this school has an amazing story to tell.”
The history captured within its pages tells a story of challenge and triumph over adversity; a story of compassion and community building; a story of teaching and learning in a world of constant and accelerating change.
Mr Morgan highlighted “In short, it’s a story of Faith, Hope and Love. It’s a myriad of stories from the last 150 years, some better known than others, but together they are our shared story – our common threads..”
Then most recently, we hosted an event for Year 7 families - the Generations Breakfast, which recognised the connection of families to Emmanuel College. We welcomed new families to the Emmanuel family, along with recognising those families whose links to the College go back across many generations.
On arrival, both current and past students were presented with a generations badge for their blazers. Each badge denoted their generational connection to the College, with some being acknowledged as the first generation to receive their education at the College, through to the rare fourth generational family member.
Over a tasty breakfast, our families socialised, although some parents remained tight lipped about their school-day antics in front of the next generation! Our coming together also gave us the opportunity to learn a little bit about some of our early students - Those that had helped shape today’s Emmanuel College, who also had descendents among our Year 7s today.
The success of the Generations Breakfast encourages us to make it a biennial event that looks to include all Year 7 and 8 students and their families in the future.
We hope that through marking this year with occasions such as these we have both brought our community a little closer together and highlighted to our current students the legacy that passes to them by becoming an Emmanuel College student.
Alastair MacDougall
Year 7 student William Ralston is presented with his 3rd Generation badge by his mum, and 2nd Generation alumni, Jacinta Roache (St Ann's 1987)
2nd Generation alumni, Brian Callaghan (CBC 1957)
Callaghan family wearing their generation badges, students William & Matthew Callaghan with, (left) grandfather, Brian Callaghan (Class of 1957), and (right) mother Jenny Callaghan (Class of 1986)
4th Generation Student, Isabella Shanahan, with father Trevor (Emmanuel 1995) and grandmother Patricia (St Ann's 1971).
First generation families, Toby and Claire Battersby; and Donnacha and Andy Loughran
The Hogan Family - students Jack & Max are 3rd generation on both sides of their family
The Lougheed Family, Andrew (Emmanuel 1993), Michael, Annette and Ray
Mr Peter Morgan
As Mr Morgan highlighted, “there are not many schools that have operated continuously in the same place for 150 years. Whether this is your first year as an Emmanuel student or your final year, Emmanuel College needs you to play an active part in shaping, in creating and in growing the Emmanuel story, both now, while you are a student, and later, when you leave and are alumni of Emmanuel College. Today we recognise and thank the founders of this school from 150 years ago; their work and achievements are legendary. Compared to them, we face very different challenges today. But what you, and I, do to shape and grow the future of Emmanuel College, is just as important today as it was 150 years ago.”
