Alumni
Where are they now? Barbara told us “now I am retired, I am enjoying family, exercise and Mah-jong.” Anita Halpin Class of 1961 shared her story too: “I attended Brigidine between 1957 and 1958, Year 7 and 8 and I remember there being only 30–40 girls at the College during that time. While there, I had friends from Corpus Christi, Christine Nemes (Collins) and the late Julie Robinson (Floyd). Christine and I have remained friends. On leaving the College in 1958 I completed my education at boarding school.” When Anita left school, she worked in a bank. She was married at Corpus Christie Church in 1969 and has two children. She told us, “When I returned to work, I had a wonderful career in Aged Care Administration. I loved talking with the residents and hearing their stories, which meant I had to bring a lot of work home with me!” (Left to right) Anita Halpin (Brooks), Alice Halpin and Barbara Driscoll (Brooks)
THE BROOKS SISTERS
In 1954 the College opened its doors to its first students, now fondly known as our Pioneers. Two of them, the Brooks sisters, Barbara Driscoll and Anita Halpin, tell us about their lives and how the tradition of a Brigidine education continues in their family today.
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THE BRIDGE ISSUE 2 2021
Barbara told us “Sixty-seven years ago, Ruth Bridger (Gardiner), Angela Hendy (O’Connor), Maureen McCallum (Dalton), Tessie Quinn (Lynch), and I began our secondary education at Brigidine College St Ives. We were among the ‘Pioneers’ taught by Mother Romuald and the lovely Mother Adrian. During our first year, we were joined by the late Geraldine Slattery (Links) and the late Marie Duff (MacNamee). We were all members of the Class of 1958.” After the ‘Leaving’, Barbara trained at the Mater General Hospital and then joined the staff at the Mater Private Hospital as a Registered Nurse. In 1964 she married Michael Driscoll and shortly after, they purchased The Urunga Pharmacy and made the wonderful ‘sea change’ to the North Coast. In 1994 Barbara studied Social Welfare and says she was fortunate to be employed by Coffs Harbour Legacy as Field Officer, assessing the needs of War Widows in the surrounding districts. Barbara and Michael have been blessed with seven children, 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Anita now has four grandchildren, one of whom is Alice Halpin. Alice joined the College in Year 7 this year. Anita said “I was thrilled when Alice’s dad told me he was sending Alice to Brigidine. It is a beautiful school and I know Alice loves it.” Barbara also spoke of Alice, “I know my grand-niece Alice is very happy and proud to be at Brigidine College and I know she will make many lifelong friends, as I have.” And what of Alice and continuing the Brigidine tradition in her family? Alice’s mum said, “Alice is thrilled to have joined the Brigidine community and has been overjoyed at the wide range of extracurricular activities, both academic and sporting. She has loved making new friends at the school and is looking forward to the Brigidine adventures to come.” We are looking forward to hearing all about those adventures and how Alice continues the family tradition.
