When Margaret Marks began at Holy Rosary Primary School in the 1920s, the school was still relatively new.
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Ninety years later, the 98-year-old (she turns 99 next weekend) returned to the school on Saturday as it celebrated 100 years.
Mrs Marks (then Moloney) said she had to walk two miles to and from school, both in the blazing heat of summer and the biting chill of winter.
She remembers one nun in particular, Sister Thecla, as being “very nice”.
Another, she described with a laugh, was “very firm”.
Mrs Marks and seven of her siblings all attended the school, although she left after five years to work.
She was among dozens of former and current staff, students and parents who shared in memories of the school, including Sister Anne Cossar.
The former teacher said there were some very difficult times, but they had a lot of fun.
Former student and City of Greater Bendigo mayor Margaret O'Rourke also shared some of her memories, describing the solid sense of community surrounding the school and how it gave its students "the best foundation".
Principal Paul Wilkinson told the Bendigo Advertiser the centenary was a time to both look back on the past and look forward to what was to come.
Mr Wilkinson also officially announced the new names of the school’s houses: Harte, named after Father Ted Harte; McAuley, for Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley; McCarthy, recognising former Bishop of Sandhurst Dr John McCarthy; and Frayne, for the late Mother Superior of the Sisters of Mercy, Ursula Frayne.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
