Mr Bernard Sedgley, a highly respected past teacher and Senior Master of St Ann’s College, will be remembered by generations of St Ann’s girls as a friendly, quiet natured gentleman, who was a great joker with a cheeky grin.
Described as a dedicated educator, Mr Sedgley was connected with our College community from 1970, when he began teaching Geography and Maths at CBC. In 1973 he joined the staff of St Ann’s College, and in 1981 was appointed Senior Master. In this role of supporting the Principal, his work was described as “the kind of support that money cannot buy.”
Past staff also treasured his high respect and care for others. During his time at St Ann’s, he continuously demonstrated sincere concern for the welfare of all staff and students, and did so without seeking any praise or acknowledgement.
He and his wife Mary, lived at Yangery with their large family - Peter, Jennifer, Tim, Jon, James, Simon and Mark. Mr Sedgley lived his final years in Geelong, where he passed away peacefully aged 94 years.
20/09/2019
Many in our community will better know Sr Jan, as Sr Teresa Geason a past Princiapl of St Ann’s College. Staff and students alike remember Sr Jan for bringing out the best in those around her, she held a fundamental belief in the goodness of people. Sr Adele Howard rsm described Sr Jan as a woman of broad vision and deep intellect, which is evidenced by her early rise to leadership within the many ministries Sr Jan was involved.
Sr Jan began as a teacher in North Melbourne, and after only a few short years was in the role of Principal, first at Our Lady of Mercy College in Heidelberg, and then joined us at St Ann’s College from 1971-1972. During her time at St Ann’s, she was involved with the phasing out of the Primary Grades and the College’s Centenary Celebration in 1972.
Sr Jan is remembered by her students as a teacher who taught you how to think and how to question. She mentored those around her and encouraged them to challenge themselves, all with a generous and compassionate heart.
In addition to her education ministry, Sr Jan’s impressive 64 years as a Sister of Mercy also involved leading Formation programs, taking on many opportunities for further study and being involved in family services. Sr Jan was a natural leader and further to being a Principal, Jan held a number of leadership positions with the Sisters of Mercy including Province Councilor, Melbourne Congregation Leader and Institute President (ISMA). As part of her responsibilities, Sr Jan visited many Mercy Sisters who were working in Refugee Camps in South East Asia, Africa and the Indian subcontinent. These visits lead her to continue to regularly work in Teacher Education in Pakistan.
27/11/2019
Mrs Del Clapp is very dearly remembered by the Emmanuel College community, and because of her strength, and pursuit for social justice, this extends far beyond the College gates to the community of Warrnambool.
Del’s work at St. Ann’s College has been described by her peers as legendary, and while she can boast a long list of achievements (yet never would have), she is remembered for the many un-seen and un-sung things she did and stood for. A lady of great compassion, Del is credited for enriching the school experience for students who traditionally struggled with their schooling, encouraging them to achieve to their maximum potential.
Del’s teaching career began at a northeast Victorian school, before moving to Melbourne, and then in 1955 moving to Warrnambool. Known to all as a hard worker, Del was very active on kindergarten and school committees while her children were young. When her youngest child started primary school she returned to teaching - this time at St Ann’s College.
In her time at St Ann’s she will mostly be remembered for teaching the Year 9s. Although she wore many different hats including Year 9 Coordinator, English Coordinator, College Annual proof reader, umpire (with a known bias to the staff teams), and talent quest judge.
Outside the College, Del is known for her many contributions to the community. Del was a Warrnambool City Councillor from 1975-79, acted on the advisory board to build the art gallery at the Civic Green, plus acted on many committees and councils including those for Emma House, Heatherlie Homes, Flagstaff Hill and Anglicare. In 2015, Del Clapp was inducted into the Victorian women’s honour roll.
23/08/1928 – 17/12/2019
