Back row, from the left: Fr Chris Ross OSM and Robert Novacsek and at the front row, from the left: Fr Myles Lynch OSM, Fr Liam Mackle OSM and Kris Novacsek. Photo: Supplied.
Servite College has last month celebrated its diamond jubilee of serving in Catholic education, hosting a lively community event on Friday 26 October.
More than 250 alumni, staff, parents and friends of Servite College gathered at their Tuart Hill campus to share their stories, reconnect with each other and enjoy the signature Servite hospitality.
Greeted by the current student leaders, guests explored contemporary classrooms featuring highlights from the College’s collection of photographs and memorabilia on display.
From left: Servite College students Monica Diodato, Julia Carlino and Isabella Anza. Photo: Supplied.
Fr Peter Porteous OSM, Provincial Delegate of the Servite Order in Australia, blessed the attendees and reflected on the role of Servite College as a source of strong values for generations of students.
“Our graduates are ‘Called to Serve’ and do so in diverse fields, achieving excellence and living their Servite values long after they leave the College,” Fr Porteous said.
“Whether in high profile leadership positions or quietly modelling servant leadership behind-the-scenes, over the last six decades Servite graduates have been recognised for their impact in sectors from primary industry to neurosurgery,” he said.
The College opened its doors in February 1958 at St Philips Regional High School, a day school for boys.
From left: Alumnus Sam Musca, Servite College Principal Jeff Allen and alumnus Bruno Pesce. Photo: Supplied.
The school was established to serve six parishes: Osborne Park (St Kieran’s), North Beach (Our Lady of Grace), Scarborough (Immaculate Heart of Mary), Doubleview (St Dominic’s) and the two Servite parishes of Joondanna (St Denis) and Wanneroo (St Anthony).
Fr Porteous commented on the origins of the Servite Order in Florence, Italy, the richness of the Servite charisms, and the journey of the Servite Friars to Perth.
Giving thanks for the dedication and countless contributions of friars, staff, students and families, Fr Porteous emphasised the importance of continuing the Servite story into further generations.
Noting the growth of Perth and the transformation of the College since the early days of the school, Fr Porteous observed that students from across the city now access a Servite education.
“We have coastal families from Kallaroo to Cottesloe, from Banksia Grove in the north to Darling Downs in the south, plus increasing numbers of students from the Swan Valley and Perth Hills,” he said.
From left: Servite College alumni members Shane Bogunovich, Andie Gurr and Fr Peter Porteous OSM. Photo: Supplied.
In his address, Principal Jeff Allen provided a glimpse into a future Servite, sharing images from the College’s master plan for campus development, and announced the growing alumni program.
Guests were also able to preview the Servite Community Digital Archives, an innovative online gallery and records repository being launched this month.
The College warmly encourages former students and staff to share their current contact information with the school.
“We welcome every opportunity to connect with our alumni and encourage all past students, staff, parents and friends to join our growing alumni network,” Mr Allen said.
“We look forward to reuniting Servites of all ages in 2019, commencing with our Seven Holy Founders Community Festival in February and continuing throughout the year when the College will host reunions for student cohorts celebrating their milestone anniversaries.”