Community
10 July, 2026
St Ann’s ladies to return
THE doors of the historic Convent at Emmanuel College will be thrown open for a day of reminiscing and celebration on Friday, July 24.
Generations of St Ann’s women will be welcomed back for the annual ‘St Ann’s Day’ celebrations.
The annual reunion is a chance for past students to reconnect with old friends, share stories and revisit the place where so many lifelong memories were made.
This year is particularly significant, with the annual luncheon being held inside the Convent itself; a building that sat at the heart of St Ann’s life, but where many areas remained out of bounds for students.
Among those returning is Frances Crowe whose own St Ann’s story began in the 1950s when her family relocated from the big city life in Melbourne to Dennington while she was in Year 10.
Although she was the new girl, it didn’t take long for the school to feel like home.
Now, more than 70 years later, Frances is looking forward to walking through those familiar doors once again.
For Frances, every corner holds a memory.
As she gently runs her hand along the weathered timber balustrade of the grand staircase, a knowing smile spreads across her face.
“We were never allowed up there, that was all living quarters for the Sisters,” she said quietly with a smirk.
It’s a simple moment, but one that captures the curiosity, respect and sense of occasion that came with attending St Ann’s, where some parts of the Convent remained a mystery to students.
She laughed as she recalled the walk to St Joseph’s Church for Mass past the CBC campus.
“The boys would be hanging out the windows, while we walked past in our thick green uniforms and hats,” she said.
“We’d all be giggling and waving as we went by.”
