4 JANE BARKER LUNCHEON
IN 1976...
TREASURED MEMORIES, NEW BEGINNINGS
488 students enrolled overall There were just 33 girls in Year 12 (or Sixth Form as it was known at the time). 120th Birthday Celebrations St Catherine’s celebrated its 120th birthday with a Thanksgiving Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, a Family Reunion Pool Party, a Fete Day complete with a Historical Procession from Bondi Junction and a Picnic Day. A New Timetable A new 10-day timetable with six 50-minute periods each day was introduced to bring a more consistent approach to learning. Ensemble Group A new Ensemble Group was formed for the Thanksgiving Service in March and stayed active throughout the year, even providing accompaniment for the performance of The Fire Maid on Junior Play Night. Clubs and Choirs Michelle de Roubaix from Bronte won first place at what was then called the Clubs and Choirs Evening. Athletics Carnival Record After a full day of competition, Carolyn Martin managed to establish a new school record of 5ft 2.5in in high jumping. Honouring our Bishop Bishop Hulme-Moir was made an Officer in the General Division of the Order Of Australia.
This year’s Jane Barker Luncheon, which celebrates alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more, held special significance. The event began in Jane Barker Hall, allowing our Old Girls to enjoy one final performance in the space before it is refurbished into the new Senior Library later this year. Guests enjoyed performances from the K-2 Choir and a preview from the upcoming Senior School musical, Mamma Mia! , before Headmistress Ms Magill shared details about the Hall’s future. “The plans look absolutely gorgeous,” Carol said. “Jane Barker Hall was incredibly special to us, and I’m already looking forward to coming back to see the new space.” Known simply as “the Hall” during their school days, Jane Barker Hall holds countless memories for our Old Girls. Susan Hannan (STC1974) recalled lining up there each morning as classical music played. “We stood until Miss Patterson invited us to sit,” she said. “In the senior years, you were allowed to sit on the balcony cushions. When I finally got to sit up there, I felt so grown up.” Carol also As Carol Johnston (STC1972) climbed the stairs into Jane Barker Hall, she felt a wave of emotion. “I thought this could be the last time I walk up these stairs,” she said. “It was such a special place, so it is a little sad to say goodbye. But I’m also excited for the girls to have such a wonderful new space.”
remembered daily assemblies and House Choir performances. “I clearly remember standing on the choir risers with the other Barker girls,” she said. After the performances, alumni enjoyed lunch together in the MPH, strolling across campus and sharing memories along the way. “Walking past the tennis courts brought back memories of learning to play with Mr Ferguson,” Carol reflected. For Carol, the day was particularly meaningful. After several years of hoping to attend, travel from interstate finally aligned with the school’s 170th anniversary celebrations. “I walked in and saw two girls from my year group,” she said. “It almost brought tears to my eyes.” “ Jane Barker Hall was incredibly special to us, and I’m already looking forward to coming back to see the new space.
Carol Johnston (STC1972)
The luncheon is also special for current students, with Year 4 girls acting as ushers. They took great care in welcoming Old Girls and listening to their stories. Lilah D (Year 4) shared that hearing about life at school in the past was her highlight, while Lucette B (Year 4) was fascinated to learn that dress lengths were once measured with a ruler. “I’d read about that in books,” she said, “but I didn’t know it really happened.”
PART OF HER STORY
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