41 Year Reunion
Class of 1976
38 nostalgic women mixed and mingled during the afternoon and evening of Saturday 11 November. Gathering in the Meeting Room, the sound of happy chatter and laughter soon filled the air. Mrs Denise Leonard and Mrs Pam Murnane, from Kilbreda’s Past Pupils’ Commitee provided us with delicious refreshments as we perused the many memories that were on display. Our familiar uniforms and many photos had been lovingly prepared by Kilbreda’s expert archivist, Mr. Damian Smith.
We were honoured that Sr Helen Toohey could attend our 41st Reunion as our very special guest. In HSC, many of us had been students of Helen, in
her very enjoyable Geography classes. Through the ensuing years, her strong intellect and engaging teaching style has left a life-long impression on us.
Returning to Kilbreda as teachers, our College Captain, Jo Johnston and I enjoyed the privilege of working with the next generation of Kilbreda students under Helen’s leadership as Principal until 2006, when Helen became Brigidine Province Leader, a position that she managed with her usual competence and grace.
During a guided tour of Kilbreda’s much improved buildings and grounds, many compliments were expressed by us all. Visiting the boarders’ former area reminded us how fortunate we had been, when a section of it was thoughtfully transformed to provide our year level with a Common Room, where we could take coffee breaks and relax on comfy bean bags during what was a busy HSC year.
Following Denise and Damian’s tour of Kilbreda’s stimulating educational environment, we were excited to climb its famous tower. From there, under a cloudless sky, we marveled at the exquisite views of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, and the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay. Damian enthralled us with his vast knowledge of local history and geography.
Returning to the Meeting Room, we were delighted and enthralled by the wonderful slideshow that Jo had kindly created for us, entitled Livin’ in the 70s. Class photos took us back to our first year as Kilbreda girls, which for five women in the room was their Preparatory Year in 1964. Many cute little boys populated the photos of those junior years. In our graduating year, a total of thirteen students had spent all of their school days at Kilbreda.
Jo’s images of school camps and sports days reminded us of the richness of the experiences that have contributed to our story. The students who have died since graduating from Kilbreda College were remembered with a special tribute, before we gathered for a commemorative photo of all those who came to delight in each other’s company.
We continued our celebrations into the night at the Mentone RSL, where a playlist of 70s tunes, prepared by Roe Stutterd, enabled the party atmosphere to swell. When the time came to depart, many expressed their gratitude to Jo for a well planned celebration, which highlighted and showcased the qualities of ‘Strength and Kindliness’ that are ongoing characteristics of the Class of 1976.
Louise McInerney
Class of 1976