SVC Vincentia June 2014 v7 - svcexstudents.com.ausvcexstudents.com.au/.../2014/07/SVC-Vincentia-June-2014-v7.pdf · updates giving us fresher news. ... The Ex-Students’ Union provides

A Newsletter of the St Vincent’s College Ex-Students’ Union Inc July 2014

1

VINCENTIA

Message from the President – We have our own website We welcome you all to our new website – a first for the Ex-Students’ Union. http://www.svcexstudents.com.au We are very excited to have this launched and active, ready to give you news, articles and updates on Ex-Students’ and the College’s activities. We hope that you will become involved and enjoy the interactive social possibilities. The Committee has been working on this project for some time and we hope that you will let us know your opinions and suggestions to continue improving and growing the site for your benefit. We are very happy to welcome Sr Angela Burke rsc to the Committee. For some years prior to her move to Melbourne, Sr Angela was a most valued member of the Committee and we are delighted to have her back. The Vincentia will in future be posted on the website to allow easy and quick access for everyone, with frequent updates giving us fresher news. We will continue mailing Vincentia to those members who cannot access the internet. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee members who have put so much time and effort into the setting-up of our project. We look forward to an interesting year. The Sisters of Charity continue the celebrations of their 175 years in Australia with a celebratory Eucharist at St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney on August 14th at 10am. The first Mary Aikenhead Scholarship has been awarded to Paris Brenac, a student of the College. Our hope is to repeat this and I remind the membership that any student in Year 10, who is related to a financial member of the Union, may apply. In closing I thank all the volunteers and College staff who help us and wish everyone a healthy and peaceful year ahead. Francoise McCallum (Renault) 1956


2

SCHOLARSHIPS First Mary Aikenhead Scholarship Awarded It was a great pleasure to meet our first Mary Aikenhead Scholarship recipient on Tuesday, 17th June at the College. The Principal Fay Gurr invited Paris Brenac, her mother Penny Brenac and myself to lunch in her office. I was most impressed by this Year 10 student who won the Scholarship on academic merit but who also displays much poise and maturity. We look forward to following Paris in her studies and development. It would be wonderful to be able to offer this award to future students in memory of the first Sisters of Charity and the tradition of excellence they established. Well done Paris. Francoise McCallum President

L-R: back row Principal Ms Fay Gurr, Penny Brenac. Front row: Paris Brenac and Francoise McCallum.


3

Message of thanks from our Mary Aikenhead Scholar Hello my name is Paris Brenac, I am in year 10 at St Vincent’s College and am the proud recipient of the first academic Mary Aikenhead Scholarship. I feel extremely honoured to have been selected for this scholarship and it is very reassuring to know that the Ex-Students’ Union has entrusted it’s faith in me. The Brenac family has had a long history with St Vincent’s College, including my five aunties, four great aunties and several other extended family members, and I am delighted to be continuing this tradition. I understand that this scholarship is a great privilege and I will constantly strive for excellence to uphold this very important title. Although I do not have an exact plan for my future, I aspire to complete a Masters in a Commerce degree at a prestigious university, preferably at UNSW, and become a successful businesswoman. I am very appreciative for the opportunity that I have been provided with and I will continue to meet all possible expectations. Thankyou, Paris Brenac

L-R: Paris Brenac and Francoise McCallum.


4

THERE IS NO GREATER GIFT THAN THE GIFT OF EDUCATION The Ex-Students’ Union provides an annual drama scholarship from funds on hand and - subject to our fundraising from donations, raffles, annual reunion tickets and the sale of crafts and memorabilia - we also offer the Mary Aikenhead Scholarship that is awarded on academic merit to a student entering Year 11. If you wish to contribute to scholarships, please contact our Treasurer, Bernadene Cox (Class of 1976) on 0401 764 830. Donations made directly to the Ex-Students’ Union are not tax deductible as we are not a registered charity. Should you wish to make a donation to the St Vincent’s College Foundation Scholarship Fund & receive a tax deduction please contact Lyn O’Neill at the College on 02 9358 5398 or visit the College website at http://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/community/foundation/giving-to-st-vincents/annual-giving-programs/ .

REUNIONS – SAVE THESE OCTOBER DATES

ANNUAL REUNION

The Annual Reunion and Mass will be held on Sunday 12th October at the College. The Mass usually commences at 10.30am and is followed by the Lunch at 12pm. Invitations will be issued later this year.

CLASS OF 1964

The reunion for the Class of 1964 will be held towards the end of the year in Sydney. Please contact Sandy Borger (Baz) on [email protected] or by phone on 02 42 61 2520. Sandy and class are hoping to collect class of ’64 photos so please send them through to the above email address.

CLASS OF 1974

The Class of 1974 is having a reunion on Saturday 11th October 2014. There will be a tour of the College at 11am followed by lunch at The Tilbury Hotel, Woolloomoolloo at 12 noon. Please email us for further information at [email protected]

CLASS OF 1984

The Class of 1984 is celebrating it’s 30 year school reunion at the Royal Oak, 28 Bay St Double Bay on Saturday 11th October 2014 from 6.30pm till late. The cost is $30 and all other drinks at bar prices. A tour of the College is also on the cards. Please contact Jo Cullen on 0414 289 345 for further information.

CLASS OF 1994

The Class of 1994 expects to hold their 20 year reunion in October 2014, please contact us via [email protected] for more information.

1944, 1954 & 2004

CLASSES

Please contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to make contact with your classmates.


5

ALL THE ROADS TAKEN By SUZANNE O’CONNOR, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, ST VINCENT’S COLLEGE After having shared two separate lunches with two delightful students from the Class of 2000, it would seem that Robert Frost’s poem about roads not taken symbolising missed opportunities does not apply to them. Both Kate Glover and Amy Gleeson Coopes have already walked down a number of roads and seem energised by life’s multiple choices. I must also disclose that both Kate and Amy were in my 3 Unit English class when we studied the poetry of Yeats, a wonderful experience that we all three regard with deep nostalgia. Kate went from school to university where she specialised in Psychology and English, two of her great loves. However, when she graduated, she enrolled in a short course in film making. She looks back on that course as not being particularly inspiring but its chaos prepared her for the world of film making where many kinds of chaos happen all the time. In 2014 Kate lives in London, although she came back in December, 2013, to check that the water at Bondi was still as refreshing as it always has been and to check in with friends and family. She also has her own page on IMDb ( http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2990930/ ) which lists a wonderfully varied resume linked with the nine films she has already released: producer, production manager, and director. Her great interest is the horror genre and she has been featured in a number of online articles about female directors who have specialised in horror film making. My personal favourite is a film called Schooner of Blood which is set in an Australian pub. The film was renamed as Slaughtered for international horror aficionados. To exemplify her range she also makes documentaries. One that is a work in progress is a series of interviews with female poets of the 1960’s Beat generation. I was ashamed to admit, as a child of the 60’s; I did not even KNOW such women existed, thus demonstrating the sexism of those times of apparent liberation. Kate also impressed this old English teacher by mentioning her conversations with Martin Amis. What is so impressive about Kate is her determination to follow her dream, despite all the difficulties and challenges, both financial and artistic. Creative endeavours require resilience and stubbornness and Kate Glover seems to have developed both these qualities. She is also enthusiastic about mentoring Vinnies girls and has agreed to be the international component of the judging panel for the annual College film festival, Snippets.

Kate’s advice to all those longing to have a life in film: “Don’t talk about making films; just do it!”


6

On a different beautiful January day, Amy and I met for lunch. She was somewhat apprehensive because she had applied for admission to Medicine and was reflecting on the interview she had experienced as part of the selection process. What was interesting about this application is that this is a completely different road for Amy who has a degree in communications from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. For the past ten years she has been a journalist and when we met, was a foreign correspondent for Agence France Presse. I thought such a qualification would make her an excellent medico but she had to wait until university offers were published. Amy’s family has always been involved with social justice activities. I still remember with admiration the letter Amy wrote to the principal of another school when she was in Year 12 because she was outraged about the unfairness of a particular netball game. She was always courageous in speaking out about injustice. I was deeply impressed by her describing the time when she took five months’ leave from journalism to volunteer in a Masai village in Tanzania. Anyone who has visited a Masai village even for a few hours knows that such places require enormous energy and determination, some of Amy’s most outstanding qualities. The result of Amy’s application was revealed a few weeks later: she received four offers from the four universities to which she applied AND she was also granted a scholarship which will make her new path a little easier to navigate. I applaud the committee’s wisdom in recognising qualities which will make her an excellent doctor: varied life experiences, wide travelling and endless compassion, quickly followed by action. Like Kate, Amy was happy to be involved in mentoring any Vinnies girl who feels she would benefit from her expertise. The collective wisdom of both women is that the paths which we travel change over time. They also advise girls not to be too concerned if they are unsure about a career path. An undergraduate degree is often an excellent way to clarify one’s ambitions. As well, the beginning of each career may not necessarily also be the ending. Follow a passion and realise that learning does not stop after the HSC or even the first degree but continues throughout any life. After I had written the above piece, I emailed a copy to both subjects for their final approval. I would like to end with two inspirational paragraphs from Amy: Someone asked me the other day if I had regrets or ever reflected upon things I didn’t do but wish I had and it was

nice to be able to say that I had never wanted to do something without trying to do it. That’s how I came to accept that

I’m not a novelist (at least not right now) after writing a novella in my Masters in Creative Writing and realising I don’t

quite have the stamina.


7

If you’re unhappy in life, make a change. If you believe you have more to give, open yourself to new possibilities. For

me, I’ve also never stopped being grateful for what at the time I may have taken for granted – the privilege of an

excellent education that taught me to think critically about the world and made me believe women and can do

everything.

Kathy Amos - Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Kathy Hall (Amos) Class of 1977 is a member of the PSP Logistics crew sailing around the world and after 14 races, is currently placed 9th out of 12 teams, with two more races to go. You can track Kathy’s progress here http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/race-standings

MILESTONES

Our Ex-Student Centenarian Cecilie Stark Sisters Jean Marie Brennan and St Jean Montgomery recently visited ex-student Cecilie Stark to congratulate her on 100th birthday. Before entering St Vincent’s College, Cecilie was a student at St Mary’s Star of the Sea at Hurstville. Cecilie was a great friend of Sr Jean Marie’s aunty, Josephine Grace. Sr Jean Marie said ‘it was a wonderful and privileged experience for both of us. Although confined to her bed, Cecilie was bright and talkative and joined in praying the Hail Mary with us. Cecille followed the Hail Mary with Glory Be to the Father’.


8

Golden Jubilee Sr Genevieve Walsh, rsc

On Sunday 2nd February 2014, Sr Genevieve Walsh, rsc celebrated her Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession quietly during the celebration of the Eucharist in the Chapel of St Joseph’s Village, Auburn.

It was a quiet but joyous celebration, with her brother Fr Kevin Walsh as chief celebrant, assisted by the parish priest, Fr Ray Farrell. Sr Genny’s mother, Mrs Nancy Walsh was also present, as well as Sisters who had taught her and others who are resident in the Village, friends including Sisters of Charity, teaching colleagues and ex-students from St Vincent’s College, Bethlehem College Ashfield and the former St Mary’s Hurstville as well as the principal and other staff members from St John’s Auburn where Sr Genny exercises her ministry to students from Sudan.


9

Sr Genny renewed her Vows publicly and the Congregational Leader, Sr Annette Cunliffe, RSC presented her with a Papal Blessing. All members of the Council also shared in the celebration. Sr Genny’s community members were present and assisted with practical preparations before and after the Mass.

All present then shared afternoon tea. After the toast Sr Genny responded thanking so many people who were part of her journey.


10

PRAYERS AND SYMPATHIES Ruth Foran (nee Muller) from the Class of 1943 died on the January 1st 2014 and her funeral was held at the St Vincent’s College chapel on January 15th. Ruth was the mother of Terri (Class of 1973) and Ann (Class of 1974), was a tireless supporter of the Sisters of Charity ministries, and for many years served on the Ex-Students’ Union Committee. Sister Genevieve Campbell rsc Lilian Agnes Campbell was born in 1918. After finishing school, Lilian Campbell, entered the Sisters of Charity in 1936 on the 2nd February and was professed on 24th August 1938. Sr Genevieve lived and worked in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. She was a High School Teacher, specialising in Ancient History, Latin, Mathematics and French. She was Principal, Choir Mistress, organist, etc. She set up and began the Biology department at St Vincent's College Potts Point. After much study and training, she graduated as an Archivist at the UNSW and set up and formalised the Sisters of Charity archives as the Congregation's first archivist. During this time she was Secretary General to the Congregational Leader and Council. Sr Genevieve was a quiet achiever. She never made claim to fame. She always loved her work and loved those with whom she worked. The last stage of Sr Genevieve's life was at St Joseph's Village, Auburn. She had gone through the stages of being a helper to others, to receiving help from others. Sr Genevieve Campbell rsc at the age of 95, died on 28th December 2013. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated at St John of God Church Auburn on 3rd January, the Feast of St Genevieve. Many Ex-Students attended the Mass honouring their memories of her as Teacher, Principal and Friend. Sister Sarah Ryan rsc died on 12th February 2014. She was an ex-student of St Vincent’s College and also worked in the Finance Office at St Vincent’s College for many years. Sister Christine Madden rsc died on the 8th March 2014 at St Joseph’s Village, Auburn. She taught at St Vincent’s College for many years with Patricia Heenan, rsc. Sr Christine was faithful in keeping up with many ex-students she had taught and met with a group each year.

Sr Genevieve Campbell rsc Sr Sarah Ryan rsc Sr Christine Madden rsc

Maureen Robinson (nee Wren) (Class of 1948), sister of Colleen and June, died on 20th May 2014 Debbie Rowles, sister of Kim (Class of 1976) died on 31st December 2013. Christopher, Son of Denise Scahill (nee Brenac) (Class of 1955), died suddenly on 28th June 2014. Samuel Sykes, aged 21 was killed in a car accident on the 8th June 2014. Samuel was the grandson of Diane Sykes (nee Ryan) Class of 1952, nephew of Virginia Sykes (SVC 1979) and brother of Tessa Sykes (SVC 2008). John Kennedy, father of Fiona Kennedy (Class of 1982) and grandfather of 2 SVC girls.


11

HOW TO CONTACT US Website: http://www.svcexstudents.com.au/contact/ Email for general enquiries: [email protected] Mail PO Box 2224 Bondi Junction NSW 2022 President Francoise McCallum email: [email protected] Phone: 0438 107 008 Treasurer Bernadene Cox email: [email protected] phone: 0401 764 830 Secretary Mary Doyle email: [email protected] phone: 0412 111 686 Facebook join over 200 ex-students socialising at https://www.facebook.com/groups/282056885162205/ Linkedin Join us here too http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4127965&trk=anet_ug_hm

Memorabilia Can be purchased by calling us at any of the above phone numbers or emailing us at [email protected]

Reunion bears Mugs BBQ Aprons ABN 83 090 190 350

Documents

SVC Vincentia June 2014 v7 - svcexstudents.com.ausvcexstudents.com.au/.../2014/07/SVC-Vincentia-June-2014-v7.pdf · updates giving us fresher news. ... The Ex-Students’ Union provides