On Sunday morning 14 March, Damascus College warmly welcomed back almost 50 students and staff from the Class of 1970, as they were finally able to come together to celebrate their 50 (plus 1)-year reunion. Members of this class group had been hoping to celebrate together in April 2020 but were stoic when the event was delayed due to COVID restrictions and guidelines. Some members of this cohort still found that they were unable to attend because of travel restrictions and challenges but are looking forward to the next get together.

As Damascus College is proudly celebrating 140 Years of Catholic Education this year, it was a pleasure to have in attendance Sisters of Mercy Veronica, Therese, Marie and Geraldine. All four have very strong ties with our school in various roles including past students, teachers and leaders.

This event was a fitting reminder that together, we celebrate our proud history and recognise and celebrate our foundation schools, Sacred Heart College, St Paul’s Technical College and St Martin’s in the Pines; that past students and staff of these foundation Colleges and Damascus College form our alumni.

Guests delighted in reconnecting with old friends as they enjoyed the wonderful new gathering space in the Damascus Events Centre. Deputy Principal Chris Grant was on hand to welcome alumni and guests before they enjoyed a delicious lunch and school tour. Sarah Boswell, Leader of Marketing & Development for the College, attended and spoke about the importance of giving and the Bright Futures Scholarship.

Past student Mary Tehan spoke of the enduring benefit of the education that she and her fellow classmates received at Sacred Heart and St Martin’s in the Pines. That for many of the borders, it was really a “home away from home” and that life-long friendships were formed. Mary, on behalf of those in attendance, thanked the Mercy Sisters for the quality of their education and for the respect, love and kindness that they received as students.

Sr Veronica addressed those gathered, thanked them for the impressive and spirited students they were, and commended them for the lives they had lived so far. She shared with the group her ongoing commitment and connection to Damascus, that she had recently attended three events in the past two weeks and was comforted by the calibre of students enrolled.

At the end of the event, the cohort from the Class of 1970 was treated to a tour of the campus so that they could see that while the “bones” of the original buildings remain, a dynamic and modern learning institution has grown.