These shots are from the recently acquired Sister Dorothea Hickey Collection and feature students at Newman Senior College, Churchlands, 1982.
1982 was a pivotal year for Newman College, and there was a lot going on under the steady guidance of Principal, Brother Valerian Braniff. Newman Siena Girls’ High School, Doubleview, was renamed Newman Siena College and became co-ed, catering to Years 8 and 9. Brigidine College, Floreat, closed - their younger girls going to Newman Siena, and those in Years 10-12 coming to Newman Senior College, Churchlands.
As the provenance of these shots is Sister Dorothea, and these students look as if they'd be around 1984 or 1985 Leavers, we're thinking these are former Brigidine students newly joining the Churchlands cohort, and they look quite pleased to be there!
The first two seem to be candid shots, with Sister Helen Maher happily buried in the background (right) of the first, but the second two look professionally taken, possibly for the magazine or yearbook. (How's the crisp, modern, starkness in that last shot?) Was this an occasion? Who are they? Were you one of these significant 1982 students?
Please comment below, tag or email archives@newman.wa.edu.au if you can identify them. As always, we're grateful for your help!
