Students past and present will share fond memories when Gilmore College for Girls marks a special milestone this month.
Retired teacher Rosemarie Sinclair expects a large turnout to celebrate the school’s 90th anniversary in the heart of Footscray.
She fondly recalls her 25 years teaching at Gilmore College for Girls, stretching back to 1986 and ending in 2011.
“There were lots of us in that position – there are a lot of long-serving staff,” she said.
Ms Sinclair, who taught English as a second language and horticulture, puts the longevity down to the community spirit of those at the school.
“There is a sense of commitment to the community and a warm feeling. I’m actually still involved in tutoring some of the students and past students are also still in touch.”
Ms Sinclair said the make-up of the school had evolved to reflect the changing face of Footscray.
“There has always been an influx of different cultures – Vietnamese, then from Cambodia and Laos, Serbia and Bosnia, India and Pakistan,” she said.
“A lot of them have been refugees, a lot without parents and most are socially disadvantaged.
“A lot of students are really creative – they have gone on to be filmmakers or architects in spite of difficult backgrounds.”
Gilmore College for Girls’ 90th birthday celebrations will be held from 11am on Saturday, March 28.
Register at www.gilmorecollegeforgirls.vic.edu.au/90th-celebration.
