I left in 1963, went to Sydney University, which I loved, studied English, history and geography, then did a Dip Ed and taught for six years. I worked at Bonnyrigg High – leaving home to catch the 6.09 bus to Central, then a train to Cabramatta and a bus to Bonnyrigg. Three years later, I was able to transfer to Kogarah, (only a bus and train) where I taught for another three years before leaving to raise my children.
I’d always wanted to travel – like all baby boomers – but was unable to do so as my Mum died leaving me to care for my Dad and her Mum. Life has a habit of compensating: I married a Qantas employee so spent all my holidays in exotic places, like Tahiti, or adventurous ones, like Belfast during The Troubles (I remember twice in one day walking into a patrol and having a rifle on my throat.) Growing up in Brigidine, I learnt to think, to take what came and not to panic until it was all over.
When my children were in upper primary, I taught at a School for Seniors and loved it. From there, I taught at TAFE, first Business English, then Career Education for Women (which tickled me as I was very much a non-career person), and finally English and Communication Skills to young people who had dropped out of school. One has become a solicitor. Another has written a book. An illiterate man has his Electrician’s Certificate.
I heard a young woman at the Women’s Conference at the Teacher’s Federation talking about activism. She pointed out that men outnumber women by far as activists because they come home from after-school meetings and put their feet under the table, whereas women do the shopping, collect children, take children to activities and prepare meals while supervising homework. (No doubt modern men are different!) She told us to do what we could and we’d get results. A group of us formed a sub-committee to take on the injustices of TAFE casualisation, particularly affecting women. We had no job security and were paid 55% of a permanent teacher’s wage with no credit for experience or post-graduate qualifications. Our committee ran a two-year campaign culminating in a case before the Industrial Relations Commission where we gained wage parity and a guarantee that any full-time work for two years must become permanent.
I’ve always done voluntary work – P & F committees, parish Communion rounds, St Vincent de Paul and St Brigid’s Social Justice Group. Now I’m the president of the Ex-Students Association.
One of the good things about growing older is that you can look back and re-evaluate. When I was at school, I never thought I’d come to love the place. It was hard work and, had at times, eccentric rules. Now I remember some truly magnificent women, really dedicated teachers and grounds that were wilderness gardens shaded by those monumental Moreton Bay fig trees. The original nuns and students made a very special learning place.
With its emphasis on the education of all girls, not just the gifted or the wealthy, and its strong cultural traditions of music, art and drama, Brigidine supports girls to be the best people they can be. It was like that in the beginning and is like that now. We are privileged to belong here.