Excitement and laughter filled the air as the Lourdes Hill College Past Pupils came together to enjoy High Tea on Tuesday 17 June in Duhig Hall. This year saw the event extended to welcome all Past Pupils, and it was wonderful to see new faces attending for the first time, alongside many familiar faces who have enjoyed this key social event for the LHCPPA since its inception.

We were again privileged to have Sheila Corcoran, one of the College’s centenarians, in attendance. Sheila recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. Her two daughters accompanied her to the event and emphasised Sheila’s great love for the school and her deep connection to its history.

Many year level groups were represented on the day, spanning from the 1930s through to the 1990s. It was heartwarming to see grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters attending together, sharing stories and admiring the display of photos and uniforms from the College Archives, which are always a talking point.

Mrs Kay Gleeson, College Principal, welcomed all attendees and reaffirmed the close and valued relationship between the College and its Past Pupils as we head toward 2026, when the College will celebrate its 110-year anniversary and the LHCPPA its Centenary. 

Students from the College, under the guidance of teacher and Past Pupil Mrs Marg di Bella, interacted with Past Pupils to document their stories and answer questions about the College. Seeing students and Past Pupils sing the College Hymn together is always a highlight, reminding us that no matter where life takes a Past Pupil, they always remain connected through values, traditions, and shared history.

This year’s High Tea also included the official launch of the Lourdes Hill College Foundation’s Jacaranda Bequest Society, with Foundation Chair, Victoria Carthew providing background to the bequest program and its commitment to nurturing the future of Lourdes Hill College for generations to come. Just as a jacaranda starts small, then flourishes and grows.

Thank you to Peter Ensley and his Café de Lourdes team for the delicious High Tea. It was lovely to see many Past Pupils taking a treat home to share with their families as they reflected on the day’s stories. Warm appreciation goes to Kay Gleeson for welcoming the attendees and spending time with Past Pupils and their families. We also thank the following for their support and organisation on the day and in the lead-up: Alex O’Shea, the Events and Community Engagement Coordinator; Libby Duffin and Jody-Mae Bester, the Communications Team; Christine Anderson, our dedicated LHC Archivist, and the College Maintenance Team.

A big thank you to the fantastic students who greeted and ushered our Past Pupils and documented their stories. We appreciate your interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to assist with small tours after the event. And thank you to Marg di Bella for organising and guiding the students throughout the day.

A final note of appreciation to the LHCPPA Executive and Committee Members, Jan Stone, Cath Parker, Maria Montefiore, Gab McKee, and Leisa Crew, for their assistance and for presenting on the day. This event always reminds us of the importance of connection and community, and how the past and present can merge to inspire the next generation to carry forward the history and traditions of a Lourdanian.