1990's

"There is no other place like St Mary's College - enjoy every minute of it because it doesn't last forever and the memories are very special." Rosa Baldino attended St Mary's College from Year 5 to Year 12, repeating Year 12. Many special memories were made during her time at the school and she valued all the good times that were shared over the years. St Mary's College helped shape Rosa's future by introducing her to Accounting - now her profession.

She was awarded a perfect score in Accounting and a great opportunity arose to be invited to the Governor's House. She completed her degree and her career began! Along the way she was taught that you are stronger when you work well with others rather than individually and achieve much more. Rosa's daughters now attend St Mary's College and will be able to value the same experience as Rosa.

Written by Silvie Devereux (student)

In 1984 Cate O'Leary walked into the St Mary's community. This young Catholic woman was seeking to make a difference. The Year 5 classroom was to be where she first made an impression on young minds. The kids wrote letters that would then be buried in the school, a time capsule! To this very day, this time capsule remains hidden. What a treasure it would be today!  

St Mary's College remains firmly imprinted in the memory of Cate O'Leary. She has been shaped by those whom she has travelled the St Mary's College journey with. This formation at the college had such an impact on her life that to this day she has remained as an educator in an all-girls, Catholic school in the Dominican tradition. Like a player in the orchestra Cate O'Leary shaped the symphony of music that is life which has for 150 years empowered young women.

Written by Taylor Burrows (student)

Claire Saies is an Old Scholar of St Mary's College, beginning her journey in Year 6 and graduating Year 12. She mentioned how she enjoyed school so much that she struggled to understand how others couldn't. "I had a happy time at school" she highlights.

She always remembers her Religion lessons, stating that even though she wasn't a religious person it helped her to develop respect for other cultures and traditions. Claire talked about not coming from a religious family but as her mother's family was Catholic it aided in her parent's decision for her to attend St Mary's College.

"I found learning about world religions very helpful in developing respect for others and understanding why they believe in what they do." Claire's fondest memory at the College was understanding faith and the importance of speech. Acknowledging that people should be able to practice their beliefs without fear of persecution.

Co-Written by Alicia Robb and Zara Tyner (student)

Empowerment is the key to success. Mr Des Waigth, was a teacher at St Mary's for 17 years. He came into the school at a time where it was all about empowerment. During his time at SMC his strongest memory was around change. The nuns were becoming less involved in the school with the first lay Principal, Mrs Dorrington, starting in 1982. Students were encouraged to take pride in themselves and recognise their personal value.

He was a Deputy Principal, but he decided he wanted less to do, so he started teaching Year 11 Geography, Maths and English. He also taught Year 10 English.

In the mid 1980s emphasis was given to empowering students, increasing their self- belief and realising their potential. All staff were involved in this. The motto Veritas was emphasised, and the wider meaning explained. Empowerment was the key to success then and it still is now.

Written by Mia Porter-Westphalen (student)

Penny treasures her schooling experience and learnt many valuable life lessons during her time at the college. A fond memory Penny has of the school was the opening of the Kavanagh building in 1987. "The opening of the new building was marked with a big ceremony and it was an important time for the school." She loved the safe, friendly and engaging environment surrounding St Marys which gave her the ability to explore and try new things, without being judged.

The school taught her important values and morals, to be strong, independent, resilient, to persist in everything you do and at all times exert your best effort. One of Penny's favourite pastimes is reading. Her love for reading began early at school and she was first introduced to historical Australian fiction in Middle School and remembers reading Harp in the South. Her love for books still continues to this day.

Written by Charlotte Southam-Clark (student and daughter)

Heidi Brook currently works as a social worker and attributes her strong sense of social justice to St Mary's College. From Year 4 to Year 12, Heidi was taught that 'being a girl was not a barrier' and was encouraged to be curious and seek out new knowledge.

From sliding down a banister with her friend, to squirting CBC boys with gherkin juice on the last day of Year 12, Heidi has some fun memories of the shenanigans she and others got up to. Another of her greatest memories was centred around the 125 year celebration, in which a dust storm threatened the whole school photo. With her two daughters, Maya and Matilda currently at St Marys, the opportunities given to her, are now extended to both her girls. Heidi is confident that the sense of belief and knowledge that was instilled during her time here, is at the core of who she is.

Co-Written by Ada Skalonja (student)

Joanne's focus at school was a mixed of study and fun. Passionate about Art she remembers her Art teacher pushing her to reach her full potential. She learnt a lot from her teacher and is now teaching Art in Adelaide. Joanne is most proud of her school reports and for her parents for choosing a dedicated school for her to excel in.

At the end of Year 12, herself and a group of friends went roller skating around Victoria Square. Each wearing a nun's habit. Missing the end of year celebration, she and her friends received a detention for the expedition. Joanne thinks of her time at St Mary's as a place to learn respect and courage. Her advice for the girls at St Mary's is to never overlook an opportunity and to try everything presented.

Written by Madelyn Moffatt (student)

Rita De lseo Predonzani reminisced on the support of the teachers at St Mary's explaining that they were all very encouraging of the students. Rita's time at the college started in 1986 and finished in 1991. The friendships established at the college continue to this day. Today Rita works as a teacher at a local school in Adelaide, South Australia. Rita really enjoyed her time at the college, especially muck up day. She remembers the morning breakfast with all her fellow Year 12 classmates. Rita and her friends later made a mess of the school inviting students from Christian Brothers College, a school located on Wakefield Street. After the damage had been done the boys were asked to leave. The friendships made while she was a student continue to flourish. Rita to this day still keeps close contact with her friends and catches up with them on a regular basis.

Written by Sophia Musci (student)

House Captain and Old Scholar Award recipient, Rebecca Footner, attended St Mary's from 1994 to 1998, she started in Year 8 and remained to Year 12. Participating in Physical Education developed her passion for sport, which led her to becoming a Physical Education teacher at Mount Carmel College which she values very dearly.

If there was a piece of advice she would give to any students it would be to live in the moment and to turn mistakes into motivation, to persevere through the tough and hard moments of our lives. Rebecca proudly stated that overall, she is grateful for every opportunity St Mary's has given her, especially the Sports program and the teachers who influenced who she is, and she is extremely grateful! St Mary's has not only shaped her but the way she teaches, summing it up with three words, it would be live, laugh and learn.

Written by Amelia Isabella Scully (student)

Kathy Stavrou found that the move from Primary to High School was overwhelming at first. Meeting new people and making friends helped her to focus more on her work and become more disciplined whilst adjusting to High School. She still remembers swapping school bags or dancing corridors with old friends. Caught off guard with homework she quickly learnt tricks to staying focused and organised. St Mary's College taught Kathy to remain diligent and resilient in life throughout life. Remaining proud of a school that instills quality values without distraction of boys was one thing Kathy said the students of St Mary's College should do.

Now a lawyer at Women's Legal Service SA and a mother Kathy recalls the nurturing, embracing environment and teachers at the College who sparked her confidence. St Mary's shaped Kathy to become a resilient woman now with a family of her own and memories to cherish.

Written by Madison Knighton