Much like today’s Emmanuel Day, St Ann’s Day was much anticipated and enjoyed by the students. Today, we continue this tradition by celebrating Mass and sharing lunch together with our St Ann’s College alumni.
This year’s Mass was made memorable by Fr John Fitzgerald, who provided the St Ann’s girls with some useful tips on what to say and what not to say when reacquainting ourselves with someone we have not seen for a long time.
Following Mass we officially re-opened the recently renovated St Ann’s Garden. Thanks to the financial support of our St Ann’s alumni and Danihers we have been able to restore this valued marker of the history of Emmanuel College. The original statue, still forming the centrepiece of the garden, was donated by alumni in 1958. The re-opening was marked with reflections by Principal, Peter Morgan; and alumni, Margaret O’Sullivan nee Maher. We were also pleased to invite alumni, Marjorie Maclean nee Looney, who attended St Ann’s during the late 30’s and early 40s, to cut the opening ribbon.
Celebrations continued on in the Emmanuel Centre where St Ann’s girls of all generations shared stories and laughs over lunch. One of our Year 7 classes helped to serve lunch, and tried their hand at making tea and coffee for our guests. Alumni were also treated to performances by talented vocal students Amelia McLeod and Flynn El-Hage.
St Ann’s Day continues to be a very special day on the Emmanuel College calendar. We treasure how this tradition sees our students, past and current, come together to celebrate, reminisce, and learn.
