Memories@Merici 50th Reunion of the Class of 1967

"We all realised the special bond we had and the lifelong friendships we formed as students of Merici College."

Over the weekend of 27-28 October 2017, the Class of 1967 gathered in Canberra to catch up and celebrate 50 years of life since our school graduation. We were privileged to have three of the nuns who taught us join in the celebrations. Mother Anita our Head Teacher, Sister Angela Mary (affectionately known as Sam) who taught us Mathematics and Sister Eugene who taught us Ancient History.  Class members travelled from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales to join their Canberra cohorts.

Kathy Schipp (née Heaney) organised the weekend for the 42 attendees. (39 students and 3 nuns). The first event was a beautiful High Tea luncheon at the Scented Rose Garden and Teahouse Bywong. Mass was at 6.00pm at the Holy Trinity Church Curtin and those that attended were impressed to have Father Tony Frey acknowledge the Class of 1967 as part of the congregation. 

Dinner was held in the Lotus Room at the Southern Cross Yacht Club Yarralumla on Saturday night. We were grateful for our own room because the noise and laughter were at times overpowering. The highlight of the dinner was the cake cutting by the three nuns. The cake, bearing our school logo, was generously donated by Jenny Brede (née Jeremiah).

The laughter, memories and storytelling continued on Sunday morning when we all gathered at the National Museum of Australia for a breakfast that didn't end until 12.30pm.

We were a unique group because we were the first year of the Wyndham Scheme. Therefore we were seniors for Years 11 and 12. Paula Keogh was our School Captain for both years and is now the author of "The Green Bell" a beautiful memoir about life and love.

Many of the graduating class went on to be teachers, nurses and public servants. One is a vintner, one is an author and several are successful business owners. A number obtained degrees including PhDs in later life. But over the weekend we were just girls again and we all realised the special bond we had and the lifelong friendships we formed as students of Merici College. 

Anne Matthews (née Schmedje)

 

Share your stories and memories by emailing [email protected].

Visit https://www.merici.act.edu.au/node/82 for Alumni Registration.

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