During February Damascus College staff had the wonderful opportunity to explore the college’s history by touring the original Sacred Heart College (SHC) buildings in Victoria Street, with former SHC Principal Marie Davey RSM leading the way.

Staff were fortunate enough to be joined on the tour by a small group of Ballarat Sisters of Mercy, who were only too happy to share their memories of the time they spent in the school and convent. Staff heard fascinating tales such as that of Sister Agnes Connellan who, while cleaning the glass panels high on the kitchen roof, came crashing through when the glass shattered. Sr Agnes was only saved from serious injury by her habit, which caught on a piece of metal, tearing as she fell and spiraling her to the floor as it tore bit by bit. That tiny piece of luck meant she was able to walk away suffering a particularly bad fright but with limbs intact.

Many SHC alumnae will remember the lower classrooms on the corner of King and Gent Streets with the revolutionary-at -the-time folding doors. While the walls were now bare, they still reflect the ghostly marks of their former inhabitants, and staff couldn’t help but wonder what had once filled the now-empty squares. staff learned that the walls were once home to Mother Marie Therese’s beloved art collection, so precious that she made sure to draw the blinds at every opportunity to prevent them from fading. A particularly poignant empty patch of plaster staff discovered had once belonged to a plaque commemorating the short life of Villa Maria (then part of SHC) student Art Caldwell, who lost his bravely fought battle with leukaemia in 1948. Art was beloved by the staff and students of SHC for his radiant personality and wisdom far beyond his eleven years. A deeply spiritual child, Art prayed from his hospital bed for recovery so that he could fulfil his life’s ambition of becoming a priest. Sadly, this was not to be.

The once meticulously kept rooms now showed the markings of time and staff had to step carefully in many places. The beautiful chapel with its stunning examples of stained glass and marble remains almost perfectly preserved. The hard work of the Old Collegians was never more visible than in the chapel, as over time they worked tirelessly to raise the funds necessary to erect permanent reminders of those who made such vital contributions to the life of SHC. Many a fete, card party, raffle, and dinner dance were held, the proceeds of which would then appear around the college in the form of a new building, chapel furnishing, scholarship fund or stained-glass window. In the chapel, the Kathleen Meagan memorial window remains a stunning example of Old Collegian fundraising success. Kathleen had been brought to the convent as a baby upon the death of her mother, and there she remained until her own death in 1925 aged 35. A gifted musician, she was a much-loved figure around the college and her young death resulted in an outpouring of grief from all those who knew and loved her. These many treasures, once gazed upon and admired daily while invoking fond thoughts of those who had inspired them, now rely upon the keepers of history to keep their stories alive.

Rooms held different memories for different people. The room some considered the music room, was remembered by others as a boarder’s dormitory room, complete with a separate little sleeping box for the Sister on duty. The typing room for some was considered the computer lab by others. Memorable pieces of College history were visible everywhere, from the beautiful statue in the grotto, to the crest which still hangs proudly over the front door. The clocks that were stared at with impatience so often during class still adorned the walls, their hands now at a standstill. For some it was the first opportunity to gaze upon the convent rooms, always out of bounds for students, and imagine the life of these hard-working nuns who were the backbone of SHC.

The tour was thoroughly enjoyed by all, whether SHC had been their home, their school or simply a proud part of the history of their place of employment. Everyone walked away having learned a little something, having laughed at an amusing story or appreciated the beauty that surrounded them. Damascus College exists here today as a direct result of the inspirational women who began building SHC one section at a time from their arrival back in 1881.

Sacred Heart Tour - Reflection, by Rachel Wallbank

'Recently I was fortunate enough to be able to return to the old Sacred Heart building. It was something that I was looking forward to, particularly to see how my memories lined up with reality. There were parts that I had clear memories of such as the breezeway and going through to Gent St for classes over the road, and some that I had no recollection of at all. I wasn’t aware that there was a little room tucked away at the end of Room 1 or that there was a whole other kitchen for boarders behind the office and administration area. Heading upstairs brought back fond memories of Bron Strahan’s Art class and being in Sr Maryanne’s RE class. The music room brought me back to Year 8 music with Sr Marie, where we made a radio show for one of our assignments. The graffiti on the lockers was reflective of the times: someone had a liking for 18-year-old boys back in the day and Seona was most definitely a legend!

I had strong memories of going up to a room at the top of the building for IT with Mr Seiter as we used to squish into the small space outside the door to wait. Our classes consisted of Logo (giving that little turtle directions) and using the electric typewriters to type pictures and patterns. I’m an efficient typist now, thanks to those classes!

Venturing into the nun’s area was interesting, seeing things behind the curtain. Small reception rooms had painted walls in mint condition and the size of the bedrooms varied according to seniority. No doubt there was a pecking order - the further away from the girls, the further up the chain you were! The chapel and grotto were just as beautiful as I remembered.

If you are offered the opportunity, it is well worth taking the chance to visit. Hearing the stories from different generations and cohorts added to the experience. Marie’s inside knowledge was invaluable, she may have missed her calling as a tour guide!’

Rachel Wallbank, Class of 1998 & current Damascus College Staff Member