As Australia’s oldest Anglican school for girls, St Catherine’s has a rich history. Our School Archivist, Evangeline Galettis OAM, shares a few hidden gems from our past, with each treasure holding a special story.
FOUNDATION STONE TROWELS
Foundation Stones have been laid at the ‘turning of the sod’ for each building on the school site. The first Foundation Stone was laid by Bishop Barker, Bishop of Sydney on 15 September 1858 for the building of the Stone House. The trowels pictured here were used to commemorate the building of the Jane Barker Hall (JBH) in 1959 and the Dame Joan Sutherland Centre (DJSC) in 1992. The Foundation Stone of the JBH was laid by The Most Rev H R Gough OBE DD on 19 July 1959 and The Most Reverend Donald Robinson AO, Archbishop of Sydney, laid the DJSC stone on 18 October 1992.
BAPTISMAL FONT
The baptismal font was presented to the school in 2006 by Laurel Yule and family in memory of their mother, Betty Brightwell (Lonsdale, STC1935). During their time at St Catherine’s, Betty and her daughters Laurel (STC1971) and Neryl (STC1975) appreciated the Christian teachings of the school and in their donation of this gift in their mother’s honour, wanted to provide a tangible reflection of the Christian education that they had received. The font was designed by artist Eileen Gordon and was selected by School Chaplain, Rev Kimberely Sawyer.
PERSONAL DIARIES
Patricia Wallis (Capon, STC1941) donated to the School Archives diaries that she kept as a student in the Boarding House from 1939 to 1941. These diaries record daily events of student life during these years and are on display in the School Museum.
CAKEBREAD HONOUR BOARDS
The honour boards, which are on display in the Jane Barker Hall, were given to the school in 1939 in memory of Canon Cakebread, School Chaplain and Honorary Secretary of the School Council from 1914-1939. The boards record the names of winners of the Canon Cakebread Memorial Prize which is awarded to the Dux of the School each year.
STUDENT BIBLE
This Bible was presented to student Alice Hearne (Harris) in 1926 as a Prize for Divinity. It was customary for books to be presented and marked with the school crest during this time. The bookplate of this prize is signed by Headmistress Miss E M Lenthall (1903-1934). Books are still presented as school prizes at Speech Day today.
PREFECT BADGES
The Prefect’s Badge at St Catherine’s has been worn by senior leaders since 1924. The badges shown here were worn by Margaret Asthon (Harris) in 1924 and Pamela Pearson (Stretch) in 1944 while the silver badges were worn by Diana Linderman (1946) and Judith James (Rossiter) in 1954. A similar badge is still worn by our prefects today.
PERSONAL CUTLERY
Alice Hearne (Harris) was a boarder at St Catherine’s and Prefect in 1927. An active member of the Old Girls’ Union she donated several items to the School Archives including this set of cutlery used in the Boarding House. In those days it was necessary to supply your own cutlery and have each piece marked with initials to identify it. Alice’s sisters also attended St Catherine’s: Wennie (STC1914) and Margaret (SCT1924).
