Anecdotes from the Archives

History of the Old Scholars' Association / Alumni

The history of the Old Scholars’ Association of St Mary’s College starts with its inception at a meeting at the College on 21 September 1918. It was heralded as the St Mary’s College Ex-Pupils’ Association, and the first meeting was held in the old school room, which is now the staff kitchen/dining room. Enthusiasm was high, and 77 people joined the membership roll on that first day.

The stated aims of this first Association were to:

Work for the extension of the Kingdom of Christ and encourage members to play their proper part in advancing the moral welfare of the community.

Promote and continue a common and loyal interest in the College and a firm fellowship between members.

Promote, arrange and manage, either alone or jointly with any other association, club or persons, any spiritual, sporting or social activities that may be decided on.

From the outset, the Association determined also to be in a financial position to provide funds to assist the Sisters in the running of the school. Soon, euchre tournaments, dances and balls were being held, as well as other activities which were popular in those far-away days before the advent of IT.

Over the many decades, the fortunes of the Association have waxed and waned, often according to societal situations. During the years of Depression and War, for example, it seems to have quietened somewhat, although by the late 1940s, the Association was very active in raising generous funds to assist the College Building Fund with additions to the boarding school, as well as a science room, five classrooms and three music rooms.

The Annual Reunion of St Mary’s Old Scholars is documented in these photos from over the decades. The day has always consisted of the celebration of Mass, followed by refreshments and the Annual General Meeting, and this continues as the custom to the present day.

In 1966, when the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters in Tasmania was celebrated, the Old Scholars’ Association took responsibility for a very comprehensive round of events, including a garden party, a centenary Mass, a family picnic and a centenary ball.

About 15 years ago, it was decided to change the name of the Old Scholars’ Association to the Alumni Association of St Mary’s College.

In the modern day, when most mothers work outside the home and life is frenetic for all, membership of the Alumni is quite small. However, the Association still strives to have input in the College and to maintain some of its traditions.