A very sprightly
band of past pupils gathered recently for the 70th Anniversary of the opening
of St Louis College.
The Jesuits
opened St Louis College
in Perth on 23
May 1938, following a request from the Archbishop of Perth. In 1971, the
Jesuits withdrew from proprietorship of the school, leaving it to the
Archdiocese.
The school merged
with Loreto Convent
School, and became John XXIII College in 1977. It is now a Jesuit
partner school.
A number of the
old boys from the school attended the anniversary celebrations. A Mass of
thanksgiving was celebrated by Fr John Prendiville who himself, was one of the
boys present on the first day of the school's operation. Three other ‘first day boys' were also
present for the celebrations.
‘Many a fond
story was told about the Jesuit priests and brothers who taught the boys', said
John XXIII College Principal Anne Fry. ‘They reminisced with vivid memories of
their boyhood exploits and adventures-although many of them are now
grandfathers!'
‘Seventy years
on, the friendship and spirit evident among the "Old Boys" is testimony to the
great sense of connection the former students felt to the College and their
teachers', she said.
Drinks and
hospitality followed in the John
XXIII College
café.
‘There was
general consensus that the ‘old boys' should meet again, but not to wait quite
as long next time', said Fry.
Further details of reunions planned can be obtained
from Mrs Anna Gingell (Alumni
Development Officer John XXIII College) Phone (08) 9383 0520 or email gingell.anna@johnxxiii.edu.au.