In 1973 the Servite College in Tuart Hill was the first Catholic school in Perth to introduce girls into their school and a Mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event was celebrated on February 18.
The Mass was held at the college on the main feast day of the Order, the Feast of the Seven Holy Founders and began with four former students, each representing a decade since co-education was introduced, joining the entrance procession carrying symbols relevant to their era.
1970s student, Mrs Denise Brown, presented a College blazer and hat was joined by 1980’s student and current staff member, Mrs Nerida Williams, who carried one of the Honour Boards that has recorded the names of parents and staff who played a significant role in the growth of the College during that time.
Joining them was Mrs Lauren Giuffre, a student from the 1990s, who brought forward one of the Priory flags and Miss Tina Buri, representing the first decade of this century, who presented a framed photograph of the first College crest that had been salvaged from the recently demolished original building.
School Principal, Mr Philip Cox, told The Record that the crest had since been placed on the wall of the school entrance.
“It serves as a reminder of our origins and also of those who have come before us”, he said.
The school will be holding several other social events over the coming months to celebrate the 40th anniversary, which Mr Cox hopes will provide past female students with the opportunity to gather together and celebrate.
For details of upcoming events see servite.wa.edu.au.