Anecdotes from the Archives

Next week, our school community is to hold an arts and sustainability event – Bloom. In the lead up to this event, I have been invited to explore the ways in which the early Sisters were sustainable and provide some anecdotes.

Mother Mary (Gertrude) Morgan famously practised sustainability at Maryknoll, the Presentation Retreat house at Blackmans Bay, by reforesting much of the area.

Sister Mary Morgan was Principal at St Mary’s College 1970–76. She was then Superior General of her Congregation 1978–90.

Sister Gertrude had a great and enduring interest in gardening: during her tenure at Sacred Heart College, Launceston, she had established a native species garden.

Later, when living at Maryknoll, she took advantage of an offer of free seedlings by APPM. In the Sunday Tasmanian of 13 January 1991, it is reported that she had already planted her free seedlings and had 14 saplings and 13 baby silver peppercorns to show for her careful nurture. Sister Gertrude is reported as saying that in a major redevelopment of that beautiful property, aimed at making it a place of quiet reflection, 2,500 trees had been planted.

Not only had APPM provided her with seedlings, but the Hydro had also supplied her with mulch.

Sister Gertrude was said to be single-minded about the things she considered important, and this is certainly evident in her attitude to sustainability.