Alumni Profile RINA PRINZI, CLASS OF 1974
As part of the St Aloysius Day 135 Year Celebrations, students, staff and special guests were treated to a speech by teacher Rina Prinzi, who has experience life at St Aloysius as a student, teacher, and parent within our community. Rina and her two daughters, Jessica and Cassandra treated the College community to a performance of the St Aloysius College Anthem, which was written by Jeff & Joanne Neal for the Centenary in 1987 and which remained the school song until 2009. Rina, Jessica and Cassandra were accompanied by January Ma on the piano. Below, Rina shares her St Aloysius Story.
Having spent two-thirds of my life as part of the St Aloysius community, as a student, staff member and a mum; it is an honor to be part of the celebrations of the 135th anniversary of St Aloysius College. Some may think I am ancient, but no, I wasn’t at St Al’s when it was co-Ed, however I do remember the toilets with the boys’ sign and wondering why. I have journeyed with the sisters of Mercy through Primary, Secondary and Tertiary studies and worked in their employ for all my teaching life here at St Al’s. My parents chose St Al’s because it went through to Year 12. Dad migrated to Australia, hoping for better opportunities. He had little schooling but was very educated in life skills, and I am grateful that he gave me the choice to go on to tertiary studies, despite the mentality of the day that
girls didn’t need an education! It was 1969, Sr Eileen Harrington was principal and there were over 1000 students! The school entrance was at Brougham St which is now Gate 5. As a student I have many wonderful memories: In 1973 I was very excited to be part of the first musical performance in our new school hall. An original play called AMARA written by Jeff & Joanne Neal. In the same year I was Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! I recently received copies of the programs which put a smile on my face, not as glossy as the ones we have today but precious, nevertheless. My last performance at the College was in the musical 1984, adapted by Jeff from the George Orwell book by the same name.
Always Aloysius | Winter 2022
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