1950's

Loretta Battistella attended St Mary's College from 1953 to 1956 completing Years 1 to 3 in a co-educational environment. Her advice for current students is, "Enjoy every day, it's a great experience, and a beautiful school, so be happy."

Loretta clearly recalls her classroom having four steps with concrete walls and the daily 12:00pm prayer bell. Her passion was tennis, and with only one court, she'd race to claim it during breaks. Loretta and her friends often laughed when taking wax off candles in the Chapel so that the nuns could make soap. Occasionally her hands were hit with a ruler for talking too much!  

Loretta feels connected to St Mary's. Aside from her schooling, her parents were married in St Patrick's Church, and she celebrated her Baptism and First Communion there. Overall, Loretta loved attending St Mary's. SMC has shaped Loretta to be respectful and independent through the nuns' discipline and has given her lifelong friends.

Written by Giselle Battistella (student)

Lynette Dansie, former student, parent, and librarian has been a part of St Mary's College since 1956. As a student, Lynette was deeply involved in leadership roles and striving for the best education. One of Lynette's fondest memories was Fridays, where the girls would clean the wooden floors with damp tea leaves that had been collected prior.

Each year level had minimal students, and through Lynette's schooling, she continued to keep the same teacher. Subjects that were studied set the girls up for future work life and also taught important life skills. Lynette recommends St Mary's College to all parents as she is not only grateful for her education but her daughters as well. Her work in the library, creating videos and recording films for students has been well commended for. Lynette continues to check up on the school through Facebook and newsletters, remembering her time as a St Mary's girl.

Written by Isabel Georgiou (student)