By Ewen McRae
Catholic Regional College Melton may be going through one of its most disjointed years ever, but that hasn’t stopped the school commemorating a momentous anniversary.
The college is celebrating its 40th year in 2020 and has marked the occasion with the release of a special book on the history and milestones of the school over the decades.
Principal Marlene Jorgensen said while they could not celebrate in person, it was important for the school community to mark the milestone.
“We could not let the opportunity go by to celebrate the provision of education to children in the western suburbs,” Ms Jorgensen said.
“From small beginnings as a 7-10 school, the college has grown to a thriving years 7-12 community as part of a federation of five schools.
“Many of our students have gone on to be educators, and we currently have 18 of our past students teaching at the college, which speaks volumes about the type of education and learning that happens here at CRC Melton.”
Author and school English leader Kezi Todd went back to the first teachers at the school, as well as speaking to former students and educators during the two-year process of compiling the book.
“I had many ex-students contact me, and I was able to contact others as well, which really created a rich diversity of stories,” Ms Todd said.
“We wanted to get down the rich oral history of CRC Melton into a published form so that history could be preserved for future staff, students and the community.”
Among the many stories in the book is one from former principal Frank Fitzgerald, who told how much of the school burnt down on the day he was to start at the school in 1985, with the school community pitching in to help it get back on its feet.
“I think that was my favourite story because it is so relevant for us here in 2020,” Ms Todd
“With all the difficulties we are currently facing, I think it provides hope that we have a great future ahead.”
