From left: Former De Vialar College staff members Helen Candy, Lee Evans, and Keryn Zeeb. Photo: Supplied.
By Theresia Titus
Seton Catholic College has celebrated the 50th anniversary of its historic buildings on Monday 8 October.
Built in 1968, the buildings were used for an all-girl school, De Vialar College, which was established by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition (SJA) from their hitherto St Joseph’s School in Fremantle, established in 1855.
Seton Catholic College Communication Relations Manager Sarah Robey told The eRecord that the anniversary started with a Mass celebrated by Fr Paul Raj at the chapel, attended by alumni, former and current staff members, along with current and past board members.
“The anniversary was held on a student free day. However, we did have some Year 9 volunteers who helped with parking and ushering, serving the food, chatting to the guests and cleaning up after the function,” Ms Robey said.
“We really appreciated their help as they were giving up the final day of their holidays and the weather was beautiful.”
From left: Sr Monica, Sr Anne Marie, Sr Margaret Mary, Sr Mary, and Sr Kathleen. Photo: Supplied.
After the Mass, the guests enjoyed a session of morning tea accompanied by a musical performance by Year 10 student Lewis Smith who played the same piano that had been used by alumni for their music lessons.
The guests also enjoyed the archival display, which was followed by a commemorative tree planting and tour of the old part of the building.
The tree planting ceremony was done by the first principal of Seton Catholic College, David Heath, alongside De Vialar College former principals Sr Kieran and Sr Gemma.
“The day aimed to showcase how St Joseph’s College lay a firm foundation in its staff, students, principles, and ideals to become De Vialar College; which in turn set a high standard and tone for the way Seton Catholic College operates today,” Ms Robey said.
“We are very proud of its heritage and wanted to pay homage to the work of the SJA Sisters.”
The Sisters lived on site with some boarding students – they taught and cared for the female students at De Vialar College.
From left: De Vialar College alumnus Camille Brown, Sr Angela, and Sr Lilian Bong. Photo: Supplied.
Eventually, in 1989, the Sisters moved off-site, which was followed by the amalgamation of De Vialar College and St Brendan’s to become co-educational Seton Catholic College.
“We still have Sr Elizabeth, one of the Sisters who lived on site at De Vialar College for 11 years, on staff, who manages our Archive Collection and we celebrated her 80th birthday last term,” Ms Robey said.
“We were delighted to have a number of the original Sisters join us for the celebration on Monday, especially as they are elderly now.
“Coincidently it was also Sr Kieran’s 88th birthday,” she added.
Some 150 guests – consisting of 100 current staff, 45 alumni members, and 15 former staffers –attended the anniversary event.
Ms Robey also asserted that the feedback from the Sisters was positive.
“I think they were delighted to take part in the commemoration of their part in the history of Seton and the development of their vision,” she said.
“Of course, they also thoroughly enjoyed catching up with former staff of De Vialar College, as well as their ex-students who remembered them fondly.
“If hilarious stories and laughter are markers of a well enjoyed event, I think the day was a great success!” she concluded.