For many past students and staff of Sacred Heart College (SHC), establishing a connection between the institution they once knew, and present-day Damascus College can pose a challenge. This sentiment was shared by two former students, Anne Mibus née Watt and Genevieve Martin née Watt, until they embarked on a heart-warming Damascus campus tour. Through this experience, they discovered the enduring significance and deep respect given to SHC’s foundation and history by the current cohort, fostering a renewed sense of connection and appreciation for them both.

Anne and Genevieve represent the bookends of the four-Watt sisters from Balmoral in the Western District. Their educational journey began at the SHC campus on Victoria Street, where they were followed by their sisters, leading them to the Sacred Heart College Senior Campus - St Martin’s in the Pines (St Martin’s). In total, the Watt sisters spent 24 years in these institutions, spanning from 1958 to 1972.

Anne commenced her studies in 1958, followed by Bernice in 1964, Marlene in 1965, and Genevieve in 1968. Both Anne and Bernice successfully completed their matriculation and pursued careers in teaching. On the other hand, Marlene and Genevieve pursued nursing training at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Anne was the only Watt sister not to experience boarding at St Martin’s. However, as a student of SHC, she was very much aware of the legacy of Ms Fanning’s bequest of 50 acres at Mt Clear to the Sisters of Mercy. Anne recalls being part of the processions of girls walking from Victoria Street to Mt Clear to throw medals in the first turned sods for the construction of a senior school that would later be known as St Martin in the Pines, or affectionately to the students and locals as “St Mick’s in the Stick’s”.

Standing before the building that once served as the boarding house, Anne and Genevieve were surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the lush bushland setting. They could not help but feel a profound sense of pride and connection upon discovering that it is named the Sacred Heart building. It serves as a poignant reminder of the college’s foundational roots upon which Damascus College is flourishing.

As the tour continued, memories rushed in for both sisters, prompting reflections not just of their days at SHC but also of the enduring bonds formed with friends and the profound lessons learned along their educational path.

Returning to Damascus for the first time since she left school was an affirmation for Genevieve of the values and appreciation she has carried through her life.

“I am proud that Sacred Heart College and St Martins in the Pines evolved into a modern college, proud of its student diversity and its curriculum offerings. It is wonderful to see Damascus has an ongoing commitment to reflecting the values of the Sisters of Mercy,” said Genevieve.

She observed that the bushland setting for Damascus students must be second to none, enhancing students’ educational experiences in the humdrum of the modern world.

The whole of the Watt family migrated from Victoria to Queensland starting with Genevieve on her marriage in 1977. She and her late husband, John, developed a wilderness resort, “Ferns Hideaway,” from scratch along a creek at Byfield north of Yeppoon. Their resort became a go-to destination for weddings and people seeking a family-style holiday staying in hand-hewed log cabins and experiencing a music-filled dining experience in the restaurant.

As they said their goodbyes to the campus, Anne and Genevieve could not help but appreciate the impressive facilities of Damascus College and the accomplishments of its current students. This experience left them feeling a sense of pride in their college and a genuine connection to their old high school.

Anne Mibus née Watt, Class of 1965 and Genevieve Martin née Watt, Class of 1972

As Anne and Genevieve's journey beautifully illustrates, the bonds formed at Sacred Heart College, St Martin's in the Pines, and now Damascus College, are timeless and deeply cherished. We warmly invite all alumni to reconnect with this vibrant community that continues to honour its rich history while embracing the future. Whether your path began at Sacred Heart, St Paul's Technical College, or St Martin's, your story is an integral part of our shared legacy. We encourage you to stay connected, share your journey, and celebrate the enduring spirit of our schools. Visit STAY CONNECTED to join our alumni network or update your details, and keep the spirit of connection alive. Your experiences and memories enrich our community, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Damascus College.