On July 26 students of Emmanuel College gathered together with the past students of St Ann’s to share Mass in the Chapel and lunch for the Feast of St Ann. The Emmanuel Singers sang beautifully at Mass, and both students and alumni alike enjoyed the interaction over lunch.
Events like these are a great opportunity for stories and memories to be shared with each other and the next generation of Emmanuel students. Although schools and education are in a state of continual and rapid change, a steady constant at Emmanuel College is our emphasis on the traditions of our founders. Throughout their secondary education, Emmanuel students learn about the history of our College and its predecessor schools – St Ann’s and St Joseph’s CBC. They learn about the enterprising Sisters who arrived without resources to build a learning community that has gone from strength to strength since 1872, and about the lives of past students whose stories inspire us all.
All past students of St Ann’s are encouraged to keep 26 July 2017 free to attend our next St Ann’s Day celebration. Contact us at the College if you would like to receive an invitation.
“A huge ‘thank you’ for the lovely St Ann’s feast day Mass & luncheon. It was evident that much work and preparation had taken place. From the initial welcome and escort from the students, the name tags and class list and Mass booklet to the beautiful voices in the choir, followed by an amazing luncheon, nothing was omitted. The students who served the luncheon were so attentive & looked after us with a smile. These events take an enormous amount of time and effort. I look forward to attending again next year. I have wonderful memories of my days at St Ann’s and the friendships formed.”
“Just a quick note to say thank you for yesterday and congratulate you on a very successful day. In the Chapel I felt the warmth, peace and the spirit of the many sisters and students who had prayed there in the past. It was a beautiful tranquil experience. Their presence was tangible."
I came to St Ann’s to commence in second term 1955 when my family moved from Melbourne. I was surprised at the small class size. My memory is of being made to feel very welcome on my first day having not known anyone before hand. The nuns who taught me, Sr Sylvia, Sr Isabel, Sr Philomena, and Sr Bonaventure, were all strong women whom I received an excellent education as well as encouragement and a good grounding in the Catholic Faith which I still practise today. My main memories are of playing tennis on the courts below the Nazareth Building and rounders in the paddock near the drive to the Goold Campus.
I’m one of the very lucky girls to start at St Ann’s at 41⁄2 years and finish part way through Leaving Year. The Mercy nuns were great teachers and gave a good example to all of the girls. I am sure their leadership of women leading lives without the influence of men enabled many girls to achieve great things.
Very fond memories of my time at the College and the making of lasting friends. Great love and respect for the wonderful teachers of the time – Sr M Sylvia, Sr M Bonaventure, Sr M Isabel & Sr M Philomena. Also great lay teachers – year 7, Kath Melican and Muriel Gladman. Importance was placed on religion and the moulding of young ladies. Year 11 (Leaving) was a great year so there were only about 18 in the class and we were very close. This could be seen at St Ann’s Day as 5 of our grade were present. Great memories of the Annual Concert held in the Town Hall and the break-up picnic at Shelley Beach.
In my time we had all Mercy Sisters as our teachers. My favourite was Sr Philomene. Coming from St Joseph’s and being a day scholar I remember being overawed by the whole experience.
