Another in a series of recollections from past pupils and families as we begin preparations to celebrate our 50th Anniversary next year……

This week we have received contributions from Scott Lilley, partner of Barnett Lilley & Associates Pty Ltd and Jenny Williamson proud Auntie of Sophie (Year Six).

• Attending St Matthew’s between 1975 -1980 was an important time in my life. For some students it was a fun and exciting time, for others it may have seemed a boring daily routine. For me it was one of the best times of my life!
• My Kindergarten and third grade teachers, Mrs Robinson and Ms Dempsey, were the most compassionate and caring people I have ever met. 

 Scott Lilley (1975 - 1980)

• First thing that came to mind about my primary school years at St Matthew’s was remembering that I didn’t cope with the move from Aranda Primary to St Matthew’s.  I would put my pyjamas back on and go back to bed in the morning.  Poor mum, I remember her dragging me screaming up the hill to school one morning and I had to go to class.  I didn’t try it again and have no recollection how the rest of the day went.  It was probably fine.
• When I was 7,   I was running around the corner of the school near the Kindy classrooms and ran smack right into Stephen W who was running from the other corner! A big collision:  Stephen got a black eye and my head was split open needing stitches – just another time for poor Mum to nearly faint while her kids were repaired at the doctors.  And I still have the scar today!!
• I remember in Year 6 that we would spy through the grates into the storeroom that came off the tuckshop – oops should I say? (that was where the kids would kiss)
• I really was a good student but obviously school was tricky at times; I do remember trying to run away from school once.  I got ALL the way to the top of Stutchbury Street (a long way for a young child) and then……. came back.   Fail.
• I really liked my teacher Mrs Blinksell in year 3/4.  She had an effective way of dealing with the naughty boys in the class - pinching their earlobes with her very long nails. Fortunately, she liked me.
• I remember Liturgical Dancing - that was so big in the 70s & 80s!  And also hand making religious banners - cutting out the felt letters and pictures was fun.  I still remember the lettering that they used – and used it to make a Confirmation banner for my daughters in recent years at Star of the Sea College in Melbourne.  Who would have thought that skill would come in useful 40 years later!
• In year 6 I had Sister Robyn who was very nice.  She talked a lot about the missions and also Callings which I thought sounded wonderful - its such a romantic notion

( I loved reading a lot too).  Anyway I came home and told Mum and Dad that I thought I had a calling to the missions.  They listened and were encouraging but soon after Dad put a stop to that thought! He told me there would be no electricity for my hair dryer.  Any calling has been dead to me since.

• And lastly, I loved the handball competitions that we had in the little courtyard at the top of the school near the basketball courts - it was perfect with 4 squares - so much fun. My gorgeous niece, Sophie tells me the year 6’s still use the courts today!  Very cool to hear some past times have continued throughout the 50 years of the school!

I wish you all a Happy 50^th Birthday for next year and many happy memories.

Jenny Williamson (1972-1979)

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Krajacic family on the safe arrival of Elliana Mae. Elliana was 3.15kg and 47cm.

Mum and Bub are doing great.