Over a quarter of a century ago, I had the pleasure of travelling around the state to interview past pupils of our wonderful school. Excerpts from these interviews were used in our history, A View from the Tower, written by my colleague and friend, Marg Underwood.

One of the interviews I enjoyed was with a Josephite nun, Sr Xaveria Lawrence, at her home, “Winton” on Old Mornington Road, Mount Eliza. It was not far from my own home, having moved there a decade previously. I should say, that the Provincial of the Josephites at that time was a cousin, Frances Stubbs.

Sr Xaviera was a student here from 1925 to 1930. Her name then was Phyllis Lawrence and her sister Elizabeth also attended. Xaveria had incredibly detailed memories of daily life at the Brigidine Convent, Mentone, as the school was then known. She particularly remembered the various sodalities to which students belonged, recalling the colour of the ribbons they wore and days that they met. Visits usually included a walk through the grounds and being sent home with a supply of fruits from the beautiful gardens there. It, like many of the seaside residences of various orders in the vicinity, was an oasis of tranquillity. Many years ago, the Josephites sold the property. The buildings were demolished, and the trees removed. For the past few years, it has been nothing but an empty block.

Soon enough, the tranquility will be disturbed, as Channel 9 and Scott Camm will disturb our quiet suburb by the sea when the next series of The Block goes into production there. In future, as I drive past, I’m sure the image I’ll picture is the peaceful garden and Sisters Catherine (OLA) and Xaveria.

Damian Smith

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