Br O’Brien is remembered as a quiet, kind, and humble man whose service with the Christian Brothers almost spanned 70 years.
Giving his life to Catholic education across many parts of Australia, Br O’Brien was at CBC Warrnambool from 1957-1960, and again from 1986-1990. While at CBC he was a teacher of the senior students, primarily Year 11 (Form 5), teaching Science, Computer Studies and Maths. He was the Science Coordinator from 1986 until amalgamation of CBC and St Ann’s.
Br O’Brien gained his students respect as a knowledgeable man of science who stood for no nonsense. He was diligent in being available to those who wanted to learn. He will also be remembered as a determined and unforgiving competitor on the handball court.
After 30 years of teaching at various schools in Victoria, Br O’Brien went to Yambio, South Sudan where he worked in teacher education. In 2001, he then went on to work and teach in the outback indigenous communities of Wadeye in the Northern Territory.
Forever remembered as an academically brilliant, determined, and selfless man, whose life and work were lived at the highest ideals of Edmund Rice.
While Agnes Ryan finished working at the College some 28 years ago, the legacy she left behind continues today. Her influence reached far among the classmates, fellow staff, students and buildings of St Ann’s and Emmanuel College she so readily gave her time to.
Agnes’ connection to the College began in 1951, when she commenced school at St Ann’s College as a boarder. Despite being used to the wide-open spaces of the agricultural lifestyle she had been raised in, she adapted quickly to life at school. A high and consistent achiever in her studies, Agnes was appointed Head Prefect and was Dux of the Class of 1954 at only 16 years of age. At 16, she was too young to gain entrance at University, so instead responded to the plea of the Archbishop of Mannix for graduates to become Catholic teachers and commenced at Mercy Teachers College in Ascot Vale.
Agnes’ first teaching position was at St Mary’s in Hamilton, but she quickly returned to her alma mater in the late 50s to become one of the first lay teachers at St Ann’s. Described as a kind, caring and nurturing type of teacher by her students, Agnes is noted for teaching everything from Physical Education, to English, to Maths and Science, primarily to the junior Years of 7 and 8.
Extremely community-minded, Agnes was an active member of a large number of committees including the St Ann’s Old Collegians Association, Parent’s and Friends Association, and a founding member of the Young Christian Workers Group (YCW) in Warrnambool. This commitment to supporting the community was very much impressed upon her students, who would often be the first to volunteer for school duties, such as assisting in the Library.
Agnes is survived by children Adele, Paul, Bill, Mary and Christine and grandchildren Rachael, Emily and Sarah; Ailish and Maeve; Leo, Stella and Sylvie; Lochie and Casey.
Sincere thanks to Margaret Sulllivan for assisting us to write Agnes’ obituary.
Carolyn Fidler is remembered by staff, students and parents alike as a wonderful ambassador of the College, who supported all with professionalism, kindness and respect.
Carolyn was the Principal’s Secretary for 17 years, beginning at St Ann’s College in 1984, serving five Principal’s during her tenure. Her efficiency and personable nature, made her both a reliable and popular colleague who will be affectionately remembered for her reluctance to throw things away, or “still having the receipt.”
Originally from Melbourne, Carolyn worked full time in administration since the age of 16. Carolyn and family were drawn to Warrnambool in 1977, where they went into partnership with Brian and Margaret Stevens to start what is now a Warrnambool stalwart - Fresha Fruit Juices.
Alongside her work and family commitments, Carolyn was a very active person. She loved music, particularly the piano, achieving Honours with the Australian Music Examination Board at Melbourne University. She also enjoyed swimming, table tennis, but above all ten pin bowling.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Robert, children Paul and Allison, and grandchildren Kelsey, Jayda, Tarli and James.
Sincere thanks to the support of Mr John Beks to help us prepare Carolyn’s tribute.
The Emmanuel College community remembers the life of founding Principal, Sr Rose-Marie Glennen. We, the custodians of the College today, are indebted to your dedication, generous spirit and commitment to Catholic education.
Sr Rose was initially Principal of St Ann’s College from 1988 to 1990 and was instrumental in the formation of Emmanuel College. She was then appointed the Principal of Emmanuel College, when it commenced in 1991.
Sr Rose initially worked as a Primary Teacher before joining the Sisters of Mercy. She was passionate about education and as an avid learner herself, took on many opportunities for further study. Over time she accumulated an impressive array of credentials including a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Theology and Graduate Diplomas in Pastoral Care and Administration.
All of this study served her well in her role as teacher, both in country and city schools and with primary and secondary classes. While she excelled in teaching science subjects, her approach to teaching religious education was particularly appreciated by students, with an approach that was described as enlightened, enlivening and different.
As Principal, Sr Rose led the College through amalgamation with a great deal of work that went unseen. Her efforts provided direction for Emmanuel College to build a school where the staff and students could learn and share Faith, Hope and Love.
Beyond the school gate, Sr Rose’s time in Warrnambool saw her as an active member of the Sisters of Mercy, often travelling to and from Ballarat after school for meetings. She was a great supporter of the Warrnambool and District Catholic Schools Network, and prioritised building the relationship between the schools. She was also a committed member of the Brophy Family and Youth Services Committee and was the first female member of Rotary in Warrnambool.
Following her time in Warrnambool, Sr Rose returned to Ballarat as part of the Congregation Leadership Team. From there, she took up an opportunity to work in Darwin. There she worked with Centacare (now CatholicCare NT), which saw operations greatly expanded throughout the Northern Territory; and the Reference Group that worked to establish the Institute of Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Sr Rose will be remembered by the Emmanuel College community as a strong, no-nonsense lady, whose commitment to Catholic Education and social justice has left us an important legacy.
The Emmanuel College community remembers the life of past and long-serving staff member Mrs Sue Sherwood.
Sue was educated in Sydney by the Ursuline sisters and completed her degree at Sydney University. She joined the staff at St Ann’s College in 1986, where she introduced French language and culture to the curriculum for students. She was highly valued as a French teacher and saw many of her students participate in overseas exchange programs. After the amalgamation of CBC and St Ann’s, French classes increased in number and a team of French teachers evolved led by Sue.
In addition to French, Sue also specialised teaching Maths, Psychology, English and Business Maths.
During her time at Emmanuel, Sue completed a post graduate degree in Librarianship and was a pioneer in the introduction of information technology to the College. Sue was quick to realise the value of the technology phasing into schools, recognising its potential and understanding how it allowed teachers to cater more successfully to the different learning styles of students. She implemented programs for the Professional Development of teachers to assist them in using the technology and ran evening classes for parents to familiarise themselves with the many and varied aspects of the computer.
After nine years in the Library, Sue became the E-Learning Coordinator. She oversaw the installation of many computer laboratories over both campuses, and was instrumental in introducing the Intranet, SIMON, to the College. Both were exciting and innovative developments at the time.
Throughout her 24 years at the College, Sue held more than ten different positions of responsibility.
Sue will be remembered as a person who always put the needs of the College before her own. She worked tirelessly, including evenings and weekends to ensure that every staff member had everything they required on a technology front to complete their work. Her professionalism, intelligence and commitment to her colleagues and students will always be remembered.
At the end of 2009 following her retirement, Sue remained a wonderful support to the Emmanuel College community. Sue was still volunteering her time to assist with the development of our archive, right up until last year.
Sue is survived by her husband John; daughters, Karen and Jennifer, and grandchildren Jacob, Darcy, Adelinde and Paige.
