The Gathering was held last Saturday 18 July. It was characterised by the spirited free form discussion that was held and a delicious afternoon tea thanks to Bosko and Ron (who baked a single cake that fed all 35 attendees). Carl also delivered on his promise of bringing photos from the earliest years of St Margaret's school (1949 - 1950) which was held at the back of the church in a curtained off area run by Mrs Rafferty. The image included in this report shows what we think of as the back of the church but it was the front of the school in those days. Notice the grounds which seem to be overgrown grass reaching out to the street. The footpath would have been indicated by a well worn furrow in the grass. The church from the outside looks identical to its looks today. This is drop off or pick up time, with mums arriving not in mid sized or large SUVs but with simple prams. Note the Nissen hut in the distance, another military echo.

In the photo below we enter the building and see possibly Father Catarinich, Pierce or Thomas who were all in the Parish at the time meeting with a parent with child with the woman in the dark coat presumably Mrs Rafferty. No carpet, and no walls covered in educational posters as you would find today (although a view to the front of the teaching space would have been more revealing) No kneelers on the church pews!