Seton Catholic College in Samson celebrated its 25th Anniversary in great style on Friday, 13 March, amidst an array of festive and jubilant events that had students, ex-students, staff and guests in thrall.
More than 100 guests attended the opening Anniversary Mass concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Don Sproxton, Fr Liam Keating SMA and Fr Paul Raj.
In his homily, Bishop Don encouraged the students present to become people who would make a difference to our world and society, citing the example of St Elizabeth Seton who established both Catholic education and many social welfare projects in the United States.
Many ex-students and staff attended the reunion held after the Mass and participated in a fascinating Archival Exhibition in the College Performing Arts Centre.
Award-winning art from students and staff, as well as guest artists who have been patrons of the college’s arts program, featured in the exhibition and sparked many a trip down memory lane, both for those who shaped, and have been shaped, by this remarkable school.
The event also saw senior students conduct tours of the college and offer guests the opportunity to revisit their class rooms.
Many marvelled at seamless blending of past and present where old rooms were well-equipped with airconditioning and each student worked with his or her own iPad.
The drone used to take an aerial photo of the school oval was but the latest testament to the school’s embrace of technological advancements.
The event closed with an evening food festival that brought more than 2,500 people of all ages together to enjoy a huge variety of food and entertainment, despite the heavens opening up just after 8pm.
Created by the amalgamation of De Vialar College and St Brendan’s College, Seton Catholic College has a proud heritage that harks back to 1855, when the beginnings of Catholic education emerged in Fremantle. In that year, four French Sisters of the Congregation of St Joseph of the Apparition were sent to the Fremantle colony by the foundress of their Order, Emilie De Vialar.
They soon established St Joseph’s School on Lot 66 Henry Street, in the proximity of today’s Orient Hotel. In 1968, the school was named De Vialar College and relocated to Samson which was then largely bush land. St Brendan’s College was founded in Beaconsfield by the Society of African Missions.
The celebration of this 25th Anniversary was indeed a special and significant occasion that exuded a genuine sense of community.