Alumnae SPOTLIGHT

Mary O’Hanlon class of 1977

I moved to Canberra in 1981 as one of the inaugural scholarship holders to the Australian Institute of Sport. After two years there, I spent some time in the Sporting industry and then applied to the Australian Public Service. I enjoyed a long Public Sector career focusing on the service delivery aspects of national government particularly in the Social Services and Health Sectors. Now I am mostly retired, but still do some occasional consulting and pro bono work.

Over the past few years I have taken up studying Japanese. The last time I studied a language was years ago at St Columba’s! It certainly keeps my brain active. Retirement also allows me to enjoy more free time with my husband and our adult children and regularly visit our extended families in Melbourne and Perth.

St Columba’s provided me with an early opportunity to experience many aspects of leadership. In 1977 the vast majority of staff were female and I found it interesting to see how these women went about achieving excellence in their work and non-work lives. As I moved through the College I remember learning about different leadership styles from observing the senior students in action. From working and studying with my peers I absorbed a lot about the dynamics of teamwork and mutual respect. I discovered at a young age that everyone has opportunities to influence and create a positive community. I am grateful for the values shown to me by my family and education at St Columba’s.

Sr Joan Stapleton class of 1962

Sr Joan Stapleton not only attended the College from 1950 until 1962 but was Head prefect in 1962. She also taught at St Columba’s during her teaching career. Since leaving her ministry of teaching Joan’s present ministry is in pastoral care at Prague house, a home to 45 men and women who are socially and financially disadvantaged, many suffering from psychiatric illness, intellectual disability or drug and alcohol addiction.

Sr Joan also visits residents in hospital, assists them with shopping, plays bingo, organises the football tipping competition and visits to the library. Recently she has been a member of Sisters’ of Charity College boards and has worked as a pastoral staff member at Catholic Ladies College.