Patty Johnson's Schoolgirl Diary - Part 4 : Apr 1959 - Jun 1959
Wednesday 1st April, 1959
It was not until quite late in the morning that someone at school told me it was April 1st – April Fools’ Day. This weather is nearly killing some of the girls in our room. Today I looked at Jenny – who sits beside me, and, honestly – her eyes were positively swimming dazedly, and the lethargic movements of the class were terribly funny to watch. It was as though the humidity had drugged them – or was it, perhaps – holiday-itis, which one nun claimed it was. No study period today – what a blow! In art we learnt a little bit more about Byzantine Art, about Constantine the great Roman Emperor who moved his royal palace to Byzantium and called the new city, in the East of the Roman Empire, Constantinople – Constantine’s city; about Roman engineers who succeeded in covering hundreds of square feet of room with a roof having no pillars – the secret – vaulting – I think.
Thursday 2nd April, 1959
Goodness! This week seems a mess – this school week I mean – starting on Wednesday – (I wish that were Wenzday). The weather is still terribly hot and humid for this time of the year. I had a music lesson at 1 pm – hmm … well, I suppose some people are gifted musically and some aren’t. My music lesson today brought it home to me quite clearly that I’m not. After school I practically ran down to the Station and caught the 4.30 train from Gardenvale. Lyn, Gay Petersen and Margaret Dixon were on the bus. Soon after I arrived home I was looking out of the window and holding my bathers, and wondering whether to put them on or not, when I saw a group of the ‘pals’ ride over to the cliff top – peer down, then ride off to where they had come from. I put down my bathers and went over to the ‘rocky’ beach with my shorts and purple jumper on, Reader’s Digest with me. I walked along to the sandy beach and about half an hour later a group came down. I decided not to go home and change to swim with them but sat on the sand talking to Gordon Robertson.
Friday 3rd April, 1959
I went to school in the car with dad and Max Goodrich. Before I went up to the classroom, Clare, Sue and I had a practice for ‘The Merchant of Venice’, which we hope to put on (soon)?) Sue is Portia and I am Nerissa. Clare is producer. We had the same play for Literature in 8th Grade and acted some parts of it. I had the same role. Leonie Watson was Portia. I hope we have as much fun producing this as we had with ‘Twelfth Night’, which we did last year. That was really gorgeous. Sr. Patricia was back at school again today. Someone must have said some prayers for her as Sr. Raymond suggested. At ten to twelve we all trooped over to St James for Benediction – at least at ten to twelve we all walked like ladies over to St James for Benediction. I still don’t know what lead it, and if you know anything about the architecture inside St James, you will understand just why I didn’t see what it was. At 1 pm went over there again with some of the girls from the Sodality and we read aloud the Little Office. Reverend Vilen was supposed to ring this evening but somehow I think he must have forgotten.
Saturday 4th April, 1959
I awoke at ten to seven, so, it was quite impossible for me to catch the 6.30 bus and go to Mass at St Joseph’s. I left on the 8.8 am bus for school – and theory. Remembering that I had seen Carolyn Mercer catch a bus at New St, for the city, I decided, after theory that I would do that and go into St Francis to Mass. I arrived in the city at approx. 11.15 am so I went up to the Gallery for half an hour. Sr. Raymond had been telling us about some ancient Byzantine mosaics in the Murdoch Gallery – so that’s where I went. They were beautiful – but I can’t say even half as much for the British abstract Art which is being shown there at the moment – I think that it’s all ghastly – the matter I mean not the colours – which are always beautiful. I arrived home rather exhausted at about 2 pm. (I’m glad I didn’t go down to the Pier to ‘see the ships’.) Kerry called for me at 8 pm for the L.S.G. Dance. We had a terrific time – it was the best one I’ve been to for a while now. After clearing up Kerry and I walked home. His boyfriend said he wouldn’t be long following us. However, he went home after waiting outside for Kerry while we were waiting inside for John, at our place.
Sunday 5th April, 1959
Went to Mass at 8am at Stella Maris. I walked up and on the way met Lyn Henry. We sat together at Mass. Afterwards, I went round to the sacristy door to ask if would he mind announcing at next Sunday’s Masses that it would be Child of Mary on the following Sunday. He seemed quite bewildered that I thought he would remember and said: ‘Well, if you want me to remember to do that you must write it down on a piece of paper and see that I put it with the rest of the notices, otherwise I won’t remember it.’ I agreed to that. To my surprise ‘he’ was at Stella Maris – ‘Freako’, Kerry Wilson. He had something for me; Janes Geography text book – which I had been desperately trying to procure since the beginning of term, and since I realised mine was quite a bit older than the rest. We all walked home together – Lyn, David Young, Kerry and I; also John Linard, Kerry’s boyfriend. I went down to the beach in the afternoon. At about 6 pm I walked ’round to the Cuffley’s for Mum had mentioned she and dad would go there. Jill seems a little pale and tired, but the others – not so.
Monday 6th April, 1959
Today was the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lady. Unfortunately I couldn’t go to Mass. I must tomorrow, though, if the weather is not too bad. I spent most of the day contemplating Kerry, and what could possibly be done for his – ah … I’m rather in a mess at the moment. People usually have their parties on either Saturday or Sunday nights. John Walker told me that he was having a party on the weekend nearest his birthday – next weekend is it, but I’ve got to go to the Youth Social Club on Friday night and I’ve almost accepted to go to the ‘Strut’ at St Michael’s on Saturday. Anyway if John doesn’t ask me properly to go to his party– if he’s having one, then he can’t expect me to go at this late hour. I came home on the train with Lorna Herbel and Patsy McDonald and on the bus I met Elizabeth Disney. As she got off at Black Rock she said: ‘See you on Saturday night.’ I said, ‘Yes’. I hope that’s right.
Tuesday 7th April, 1959
I rose at 6.15 and started on my homework which I naturally didn’t get done because of the art class. I was going to make a birthday card for John but decided it would be better to buy one. I did make one when I came home but I sent the bought one. Today in class Sister referred to Mrs N. as Mrs Ingot – that was terribly funny as the current poem we’re doing with Mrs N. is called ‘Steelworks’ – and it’s all about steel and ingots etc. The impression that fearful bursts of laughter were being suppressed all over the room, filled the atmosphere, and every time either Jenny or I thought of it both of us would go into uncontrollable whimpers of laughter – it was absolutely terribly funny. As I wanted to catch the 4.20 train I caught the train bus from half way down Martin St. That cost me 3d. When I reached the station a lady mistook me for a prefect and told me to control some girls on the platform who were ‘disgracing the school.’ What a horrible thing to happen! I came home on the train with Anne McBeth; on the bus Jane Boland, Heather.
Wednesday 8th April, 1959
Went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. It was John Walker’s birthday and I thought I’d go for him and wish him a happy birthday. He wasn’t there, however I hope he ‘got the message’. I supposed he was home, gloating over his presents. I sent a card yesterday. I hope it got to him. Today Sr. Attracta announced that she would start giving auditions for singing, to try and weed out a little talent for the concert at the end of the year. Much to my consternation Sr. also told us that there was to be an Intermediate choir, for the Intermediate class. We are not allowed to take part in the singing of the operetta; ‘we might have you in to do a little dance, maybe’, said Sr. Suzanne Davis I think had great ideas about herself taking one of the leading parts. (Oh Dear, I can’t think of Wed. for it’s Saturday now and I’m sitting on the cliff in my favourite cleft and the seascape is so beautiful I can hardly take my eyes from it.) I know I rode Geoffrey’s bicycle to Mass. It was absolutely ‘the end’. It has a fixed wheel. The wheels went round faster than I would ever peddle them, consequently the pedals went round, and there was I my legs going round and round as fast as they could go. I won’t do that for a long time!
Thursday 9th April, 1959
Yesterday, I did not say I had met Thelma. I met her by a very strange coincidence. After school I ran down to the station to catch the 4.20 train from Gardenvale. Now standing there on the station was Mrs Froomes and with her another lady. Suddenly she saw me. ‘Oh, hello Patty, we were just speaking of you. Do you know who this is? ‘No, I’m sorry I don’t.’ I replied. ‘It is Mrs … an old friend of your mother’s; she is visiting you on Saturday.’ ‘Oh, Thelma?’, I asked. ‘Yes – that’s right.’ At this point Thelma came in. ‘Hello Patty, I know your brother, Geoffrey, but I haven’t seen your mother for years and years, and I never got to see you. It’s strange that I should meet you like this, three days out of 15 years before I am visiting you.’ So, now I know Thelma who lives in a tall grey house along the Beach Rd. at Brighton. Coming back to Thursday, I went to music, as usual, at 1pm and as soon as I put my head in I heard my name was put in a list of candidates for the singing audition! I went through with it and Sr. took all those who had come along.
Friday 10th April, 1959
I rose at 6.30 and finished my homework. I am sleeping down in the sunroom for a couple of nights because Nan Cuffley came down on Wednesday and she has my room. I think she will go home today though – we can never persuade her to stay long! The time went rather quickly today, and last period was a ‘study’, so I was able to get ready to go home – and pack all the costumes we’d used – and hadn’t used, from the play ‘the Merchant of Venice’. When we were dismissed I was able to go straight home. After tea, Mummy and I prepared for the meeting at Stella Maris. We arrived about 8.15, rather late. It was a really good night and there was a good response, in the way of girls and boys, from all over the parish. We played records and had a competition to see who could guess the name of each vocalist. Of course, I didn’t know any but two. John won 10 shillings – and so did Jennifer Wright. It was fun from beginning to end, and I hope we have a few more good nights together.
Saturday 11th April, 1959
I woke up terribly tired but managed to arrive at school on time. Afterwards I came straight home with Mary Knight. Before lunch I went over to my cleft on the cliff and sat there for a while. I saw John Carroll, Jane Boland and Andrew Mitchell come down and sit on the sand. I took my pad and pen back to the house and went down to join them. We played with a ball on the sandbanks then we went for a swim. After lunch I had to finish the dress I was to wear at the social so I stayed home. Soon after lunch a man named Mr Fodder came down from Reservoir. He came to pick up Geoffrey to take him back to a party at his home in Reservoir – that was jolly dee of him – wasn’t it! Mum and I got the dress ready and Kerry arrived at 8 pm. He had a suit on! I hardly recognised him – we had a terrific time, at least I did I don’t know about him, at the STRUT. He had brought with him his friend John Linnard so after walking home from St Michael’s they left me.
Sunday 12th April, 1959
Went to 8 am Mass. I walked up, as usual, and when I reached the church, I was nearly ‘puffed out’. The roads weren’t made – yet – so depreciation on my red suede little heeled shoes must have been considerable – although they didn’t look bad. Lyn Henry and I talked to David, Paul and Kerry outside the church. We spoke to John and Ray Blackam also. Isn’t it dreadful – all those names were of boys – oh well, if the parish can’t produce some girls then we’ll just have to talk to the boys. It was a beautiful sunny morning so I went down to Keefers and sat on the grassy cliff just looking at the water, the jetty and the few men and children who work about there on Sunday morning. I saw O’Phelan’s go off to Mass, I must write to Avila as soon as possible. I arrived home from 8-9 am Mass, at 10.10 am – slightly late. I spent most of the afternoon on the beach with Kerry and the ‘pals’ and a wireless. Prue Acton cut her foot on some glass so we took her up to our place and fixed it up, then took her home, where we found Tim, covered in black grease, standing in the engine of an old English taxi. It’s a huge thing but I think he will have it running.
Monday 13th April, 1959
I intended to go to Mass, but again I didn’t make it. First period was Christian Doctrine. We are ‘doing hitching’, in other words, studying the Sacrament of Matrimony. Mrs Schaffer came again today. She is a very nice looking lady without any make up at all. She has a graceful figure and a mouth like John’s. I had a music lesson today. I hadn’t practised very much and Sr. gave me all my scales. ‘Don’t think you’re going to fifth grade music this year, Pat Johnson.’ Well if she won’t let me do it with her there is only one alternative, if I want to do it and that is having an exam at the Conservatory – big thrill. I wonder how Kerry is enjoying his retreat at La Verna – I hope he is enjoying – but I doubt his liking not being allowed to smoke. Who knows, maybe he will have gotten out of the habit by the time he comes home, but, somehow I don’t think four days would do it. I went to Art Group Class, at 7 pm. It was better tonight for Katy & Katherine … gave me a little more criticism.
Tuesday 14th April, 1959
I rose early and finished my homework. Had Mrs N. come again with her ‘Steelworks’ by Una Swan, and ‘Cats’ by Eleanor Vinton. It was a very regular school day – I am still looking for Sr. Eymard to explain about my leaving the Sodality, but it seems that she is rushing somewhere all the time. Today it was Mummy’s birthday – we didn’t have any celebration but will have a few tomorrow I think. Soon after I arrived home Daddy and Geoff did – bringing with them, in the car, Mummy’s birthday gift. I kept Mum upstairs until it was placed in the lounge. She was literally trembling all over. ‘I’m afraid’, she said, ‘I hope he hasn’t done anything rash!’ Soon Geoff called us down. And there in the lounge stood a beautiful new, gleaming washing machine. (I hope that wasn’t an anti-climax, it certainly wasn’t for Mum.) She was terribly excited and all she could do was thank Dad and gaze at it admiringly.
Thursday 16th April, 1959
Just as we were driving out of the gates this morning Julie C. came along the footpath; she was going to school. Dad asked her if she would like a lift. She accepted and came to Brighton Beach with us. Today we had only one period of Maths and that was in the morning – there’s something good about Thursday.
Friday 17th April, 1959
We had another scene of the ‘Merchant of Venice’ today. I found that I had nothing to say, but my presence as Nerissa was required so I had to go through the trial of trying to fit into the monotonously unbecoming costumes, supplied by the School’s terribly moth-eaten drama ‘prop’ store in the library. Coming home on the bus tonight I saw David Young, as he walked by to pass from the bus at Cormet Ave. He didn’t look down but when I looked up I knew he had his arm in a sling. Later I went round to Sue Roger’s to pick up a cardigan, a friend of mine had left there, Jill Mountain, but Sue didn’t know anything about David’s arm. Kerry got back from retreat today – I suppose, although I haven’t seen him. He went to La Verna – that’s where Geoffrey used to go on retreat from St Bede’s College. Who knows? Perhaps they thought he, Kerry, was such a sure thing for the priesthood that they kept him. But somehow I doubt that. Sr. Josepha spoke with me today – hmm…
Saturday 18th April, 1959
I rose early, in the dark, for the dawn comes later now, caught the green bus (6.42) and attended 7 am Mass at St Joseph’s in Black Rock. After theory I came straight home. At about 12.10 I went over to the beach, down the cliff face opposite John Baxter’s house. I sat on the sands near Table Rock for a while and then ambled back and on to the ramp. I was just about to go up when I glanced up the beach to my left – and, there on the sand in front of L.S.C. bathing box, lay ‘Freako’, Kerry Wilson. He gave me a ‘Hoy’ so, having nothing better to do I went up to join him. We sat on the sand and talked for a while then he said: “Well, I suppose we might as well go up Table Rock.” He sounded rather lethargic about it but I blamed the lazy day for that and we went along to Table Rock where we sat for an hour or so. It was twenty to three when I arrived home, much to Dad’s consternation. Stella Maris had their annual fête today so I went up to put in an appearance. On the way home I saw Mrs Walker on the porch of their house so I stopped to speak with her for a while. She told me that John is a CCS leader.
Sunday 19th April, 1959
Went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. It was Children of Mary Sunday so I sat in the front pew with about six of the girls. After Mass we had a short meeting but it was not very effective or enlightening. I walked home with John Walker. He told me he had been to Luna Park with Joseph O’Phelan yesterday. The Sunday after next will be Youth Sunday but I don’t think I’ll be partaking in the march for we are going away on the previous Saturday. Just before lunch today we left for Moondai. When we arrived, the first thing everyone did was remark about the beautiful trees in the garden, and on the hill, which is now all gold and red, as it is autumn. Dad and Geoffrey worked on the drive, but I had to do my homework. It was a very hot day but there was I sitting on the swing, table in front of me, all rugged up with a high-necked jumper, slacks, gumboots and a couple of blankets – all to keep off the mosquitoes. The drive is looking something like a drive now.
Tuesday 21st April, 1959
I went to school on the bus and train, and talked to Mrs Louis Scales and Mrs Robertson. Here is a poem a friend of mine wrote:
The Great Challenge. God made the ocean, surging wide and deep/ God made the land so vast, with mountains steep./ Man conquered one with ships of firm keel,/ Then spanned the earth with mighty rails of steel./ Earth had no challenge now,/ But still the air did call./ So man made planes, and, roaring up to where clouds ceased to be, and hovering there a-pace,/ Sank back to land, but kept his eyes on space./ Metals of untold strength he made,/ And lo! A moon, like the one God made so long ago,/ Shot through the air and into space/ Man stood below - / Another challenge won.
Paul was in the same carriage as myself coming home, and on the bus also Paul Lawson. He goes to C.B.C. Nth Melbourne. He’s a nice boy. Enough! Enough! The poem was nice wasn’t it, more than nice – splendid!
Wednesday 22nd April, 1959
I left home at 7.40am to go into the city. I had to be at the Town Hall, for an Orchestral Concert, at twenty to ten so I had quite a long time in the city beforehand. I went down to Deans, bought some paint and then generally poked around. At twenty to ten I went up to the Town Hall where the rest of the class, or most of them were already assembled. Soon we went in. The nuns with us were Sr. M. Raymond, Sr. M. Attracta and Sr. M. Denise, the latter two being music teachers. We had to wait until 10.30 for it to begin. It was the Victorian Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Kenneth Murison Boum, First Violin: Bertha Jorgensen, Soloist: Max Mackay, Piano. The music was very beautiful. I always enjoy these concerts although others in the class don’t seem to. Unfortunately they are only one hour long. Oh – I didn’t say the most important item. I saw Sam Shifton. He was playing his bass fiddle way over at the far side. I saw him outside, too but I don’t think he saw me. Tonight I went over to the beach. Unfortunately I am given strongly to going over to the beach. David Young and Sue Rogers were there also.
Saturday 25th April, 1959 (Anzac Day)
There was not theory today for it was Anzac Day. I went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. There were quite a few people there this morning. Before Mass I talked to Mr Lawson and he told me that we soon would start dancing lessons and little socials in the Youth Social Club. I didn’t stay and talk when I saw Paul, but just said ‘Hello’. These boys look so hungry when they come out of Mass that I feel guilty conversing with them at any great length. At 12 am today I began to study – and didn’t stop until 6 pm. It was Geography. The build of Australia – gibber plains, loess plains, molten rocks etc. etc. I saw that it was rather bleak over on the beach and it looked very cold, so I didn’t particularly envy anyone down there. Not that I dislike the beach in the cold weather, it was just that I’m not allowed to be over there when the beach is deserted, and I knew no-one – I knew – was over there so why go? Before tea I practised and after tea studied some more.
Sunday 26th April, 1959
Went to 8 o’clock Mass at Stella Maris. Goodness I’ll be glad when this new church is built. So far all we have seen is a small model of it outside the church, and two or three pegs in the ground where the church will stand. We also know that it will cost a lot of money – that means plenty of work for the parishioners. I talked to Lyn Henry, David and Margaret Hassitt outside, after Mass. Margaret suggested to me that, at their house they had a big play-room where we could have some little social ‘plunges’ which we are so eager to get started with. I told her what a good idea I thought it was, for having a party at someone’s house is always better, is usually better, than at a hall, and suggested she tell Mr Lawson. From 10 o’clock on I studied – right through the day. I see there is going to be quite a great future for the La Trobe Valley in years to come. I love to have a look over the open cut at Yallourn. It must be gigantic – more than 1 sq. mile in area and 250 feet deep. Talking of big things, there’s been a very big gap since I last wrote to Avila so I must do so soon.
Monday 27th April, 1959
Went to school with Dad in the car. The girls came back from their retreat today to face the exams. They were the Sodalists and they all looked very holy after their weekend in the convent. And, do you know where the convent was, they were staying in Vida St. Essendon. I asked Mary Brady to describe it to me. Did it have a rather large stone grotto in the front garden? Yes. Many a time had I stood on top of Aunty Flo’s cellar or climbed a tree by the fence and stared into that garden, and at the big brown grotto with its back to me. Often I wished to climb of the fence and break into it, but there were always hundreds of nuns watching me from the tall convent windows, and two or three walking over the lawn disappearing then reappearing from grottos and cool neat paths beneath the garden’s many tall trees. They were nuns of the magical kind, one could watch all day, sweet and contemplative. I’ve taken to sleeping in the sunroom while Nan is staying with us. We have one exam today and that was English Expression. It wasn’t so bad, but I didn’t make much of it. I came home in the train with Gay Petersen. Gay wanted to buy a bus ticket so we waited for the next bus. Kerry Wilson was on it but Paul went on the yellow bus. That boy Kerry always has the appearance of, could I quote: an unmade bed.
Tuesday 28th April, 1959
We have two examinations today – Arithmetic and English Literature. I hadn’t read the novel this year, David Copperfield as a Boy. There were four questions with alternatives (we only had to do two) so that was eight altogether on the Literature paper. I picked one about David Copperfield to do and had to remember the story from years back. It always takes me several minutes to match the right life and story with the right person. Whether it be ‘Pip’ in Great Expectations, David in David Copperfield etc. etc. Sister Patricia described the Lit – paper as being a ‘gift’, but the Arithmetic was hardly that. I should be more familiar with figures and Arithmetic than anything else in school, after all I’ve been using them – the same ones, for at least ten years. I’m sure that when I was five years old I could have told you that if two cows walked into a field where there was already one cow – there would be three cows. I came home in the bus tonight with Julie C. Kerry was sitting next to me but was talking to Jill Monteith. Before tea I went for a run down along the beach; it’s getting rather cold now but the sunsets are very pretty.
Wednesday 29th April, 1959
School was very regular today. We had a Geography examination – two foolscap pages of map-work on about eight maps, and two of some pages of writing. It was a gift compared with French but I’m not too optimistic about the results. I came home on the bus with Gay, Julie C. and Kerry Wilson. I’m sorry I can’t go to the barbecue on Saturday night with him, it should be quite good. I don’t know his name but it’s one of the senior boys at C.B.C. St Kilda who is running it at his own home at East Malvern. Karen Mum… is going with Gary Marshall – a friend of Kerry’s. I’m longing to meet him, after all Karen has said of him. Oh well, perhaps another time. It rained today – I think winter is coming in now. It should be anyway after all it’s nearly May. Oh to be in Europe! I wonder if I’ll ever write in a diary – I went to Mass in a London parish church. It’s strange to be enjoying such fine, beautiful weather in July and August. Really it should be quite easy, having read and learnt as many poems about flow’ry June and sunny July in Europe, back in Australia. So much for Wed.
Thursday 30th April, 1959
We had two exams today, Art and Maths. With the Art exam we were issued with a photograph. It showed the interior of a church – an Early Roman church – I hope! One of the questions on it was – Name four characteristic features you could expect to find outside this building. I could think of three – huge plain walls, small few windows deep in the walls, and entrance barred by a grate – and that was all. Then, out of the blue, I thought of a moat. So I put that down. I couldn’t imagine a moat around a church, but perhaps the church was the chapel of some grand Norman castle – and the castle had a moat around it. In Maths we had to prove that the rectangle contained by AC, AB is equal to the square of the straight line OC. That wasn’t all we had in Maths I can assure you.
Friday 1st May, 1959 Feast of St Joseph the Worker.
I dragged myself out of bed at 6 am, having been woken at 5.30 am by the alarm. I got ready for school and caught the 6.45 bus for Black Rock. As I pulled out my missal from my pocket, walking up Balcombe Rd towards St Joseph’s I remembered that Father Coakley had said there would be Mass at 6.30. Usually a First Friday Mass at Stella Maris is at 8.30 am and that is why I have to make other arrangements but today he thought the workers of the parish would like to attend Mass, it being St Joseph the Worker’s day. Father Turner said Mass. I don’t think Father Macready will come back from hospital this time for he seems a lot worse than ever before, however I am sure he is unable to continue his parish duties. At 9.30 we were ushered into the assembly hall, all the seniors, to see the Young Elizabethan Players presentation of The Merchant of Venice. It was really marvellous – everyone thought so too. There were only about seven players, two of whom were women, and all of them doubled at least once over. We went to Benediction at 12 am after which I very much enjoyed a hot flavoured pasty – being my first meal of the day.
Saturday 2nd May, 1959
I caught the 8am bus to theory. I wish someone would take a few minutes to re-mobilise my bicycle. I’d do it only I haven’t the faintest idea what to do or where to start. In the theory class, fifth grade, there are five pupils, Mary Brady, Clare Walters, Mary Knight, Barbara Thompson and myself. We have theory in the 7th Grade room, Sr. Bonaventure’s. It doesn’t seem so long since I was in here full time – but it will soon be three years since I left it – well two years four months. Also in the room there are the 1st and 2nd grades. They are, rather we are, all girls except for Alvin, who is a boy of about twelve years. I’m sure it must be terribly trying for the poor unfortunate male to get all his major and minor intervals wrong and also have his scales in front of all those brilliant little girls. Some of them aren’t so brilliant. At about 4 pm we left Nan Cuffley and Grandma Johnson at Avalon and started off for Moondai.
Sketches of schoolgirls - 6th May & 12th May
Saturday 16th May, 1959
I went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. It’s a nice little church, you know, especially on Saturdays. I am rarely there of a Saturday morning though except on Borders Weekend or in the term holidays. It was a lovely sunny morning and I walked home along Oak St with Mr and Mrs Beeching. No one seems to have seen Avila so I presume she is staying with a friend for the holidays – however I will ask Mrs O’Phelan when I see her. Later in the morning I went over to Keys St to buy some messages for Mum. I met Ray and Andrew, and later John W., who was looking for them. In the afternoon I took my book, The Desire of India, and a pencil and went over onto the beach. I was uninterrupted, save for Wally Scott and Pedro, who said ‘hello’ in passing. I was sitting by the stone wall, but further up the beach there was a crowd of boys watching another guiding a screeching model aeroplane around in the sky, as he stood on a small sand bank out in the water. As the afternoon sun grew red and the shadows gave more contrast to the landscape, between flights of that little screaming vulture, I could see the black fishermen in their black boats as the gentle breeze wafted them along across the still water.
Sunday 17th May, 1959
Went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. It is ‘Children of Mary Sunday’ and we, eight or nine of us, sat in the front seat. Unfortunately the banner wasn‘t up because I was late and no-one thought of it. However, I should show ones, after Mass, who didn’t know, where to find it and how to erect it, for it is rather tricky. After Mass I walked home with John, and asked him for some points and arguments he had planned for a debate on television held this afternoon. By making some queer suggestions and some very contrary remarks, I managed to probe the most weighty out – and I thought they were very good. At Keys St just as I turned to go, after standing there for a while, Mrs Christensen drove past and bipped the horn. I said goodbye to John and wished him luck then rode home with Mrs C. That afternoon the rest of the family went to Moondai but I stayed home. I worked hard frantically till 4.30. Then was John’s debate on Channel 7 ‘Does Co-Education give the best form of Education?’ St Bede’s … convinced me that it didn’t with the help of that young orator and speaker Mr Walker.
Monday 18th May, 1959
Well! I’m in for a terrible cold by the sound of my voice and feel of my head. Just after lunch today, Anne Marie Sayers and Ray Blackham called to ask me if I could come for a ride with them, and a few others waiting outside. As my cold is pretty bad yet I declined, but accepted an invitation to Ray’s house on Wednesday where they are going to play a few records. Goodness they made a terrible noise as they rode off – joined by the others – Andrew Mitchell, Hillary Robinson and I think John Carroll they were. I didn’t go to the Art Class tonight but stayed home and watched “Sgt. Bilko”(Phil Silvers) on TV. I suppose Miss Grant was waiting for my plaster casts, which I promised I’d bring – but that can wait until next time. This morning Mrs Christensen drove Julie up to Sandringham, as she was to play tennis at Kooyong and had missed the bus. On the way home Mrs C. called in – at about ten to eight, and, it was 11.30 before she went. Not that we minded. It’s not often that we see them. Anyway it gave Mum an excuse for being a bit behind all day.
Tuesday 19th May, 1959
Well! My cold is still raging – and hot lemon drinks and aspros are being devoured rather too frequently – I think. It looks as if I will be in bed all of today. Mum has taken Grandma Johnson shopping to Hampton in the car. That will probably take them about three hours, not Mummy taking all that time, but Grandma. Mummy has four to shop for, Grandma has one, and she has a small appetite, but invariably Mum has to wait about for Grandma at least two extra hours of her Tuesday afternoon. I thought Mum would bring me home some corduroy velvet slacks and a pair of decent boots but she was unable to get them, although later, going down to Mentone, in the car, she bought some of both and had them kept for her. I went downstairs for tea and watched TV afterwards. Anne Marie Sayers called me on the telephone to give me the arrangement for tomorrow, which is that she and Hillary will call for me at about 2.30 pm. Then we would go to Ray Blackham’s.
Wednesday 20th May, 1959
Although we all love Father Coakley he does some very inconvenient things – for me anyway. Much to my consternation he has taken his holiday from the Parish, during the May holidays – and that is the only chance – term holidays – I get of going to daily Mass for a time. Oh! Well, I can always go to Black Rock or Mentone. Their church at Mentone, the new one is taking shape now and looks quite splendid. At approx. 2.15 Anne Marie, Hillary and Rod called and after chasing each other round finally found ourselves, with the exception of Jane Boland at Ray’s place – John Carroll, John Weeks, Ray, Tony Crossley, the Girls, Rod and myself. We played table tennis and after John and I had reached the amazing score of 14-7, him in the lead, we decided just to have a few hits. John Carroll has a few good card tricks which I must follow up. After Ray, we went to John C’s and played some records. Then John Walker came home to have afternoon tea at our house.
Thursday 21st May, 1959
Three days to Mary Rose O’Connor’s birthday. It is a pity that it had to be in the vacation. However, I shall endeavour to remember to send the dear girl a card with my best wishes. And it is four days to the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, which has been postponed to the 25th. Well! Today was a morbid sort of a day – until I started to make some alterations to a few old clothes I thought could be re-hashed and still be worn. It was quite interesting but I didn’t get as much done as I would like to have. I watched ‘Australian Walkabout’ on AB02 at 6 .0 pm. I watch this programme faithfully every Thursday. It is a documentary film showing the life of the Australian outback – and they show a remarkable lot of this vast land – the swampy, crocodile infested buffalo territory of the far North, the great deserts, the mining towns and countless cattle stations and homesteads dotted over the outback, and also we are introduced to many Aboriginals, old … smoking and cooking, and tough stockmen. The program is narrated and produced by Charles and Elsa Chauvel.
Friday 22nd May, 1959
Another Friday! It was John Carroll’s birthday today, or at least he had his party tonight, so I went down to Mentone to buy him a present. I had no idea what record he would like so I bought a tie – it’s a nice one – I thought so anyway. On reaching Keys St, walking home from Mentone, Ian Clapperton drove past in his new car. He turned round and I saw that Peter Russell was with him. The car is a little green Morris, a single seater with a small compartment directly behind the front seat – in which Peter was pushed when I accepted a lift home. At 8 pm Geoffrey drove me around to Point Ave. I had been rather depressed all day but it didn’t take long for the party to spark me up. There weren’t many there, just John C., John W., Ray Blackam, Tim Acton, Andrew Mitchell, Marshall, Cris D., Carol Monteith, her friend Sue, Jane Boland, John C’s cousin Hillary Collinson, Anne Marie Sayers, Gaye More and myself. I don’t think I’ve ever danced so much at a party – jiving certainly takes some energy. Cris said he thought it was the best party he’s been to, in that group, and I agreed with that.
Saturday 23rd May, 1959
I sure was tired this morning. When we broke up last week I was looking forward to a two week’s rest – with no brain wracking maths problems, nothing, and here I was with three parties marked in the calendar – one’s gone but something else will come up – before long.
Sunday 24th May, 1959
Went to Mass at Stella Maris. Soon after we arrived home, Dad, Geoffrey and Malcolm Edge, a friend of Geoff’s who’s been staying with us, left for Moondai intending to pick Bill Shade up at Camberwell. I expect they will make quite a mark on the hill, especially Bill, who is a trained axe man. In Beaumaris the sky was grey and cloudy and intermittent rain prevented us from doing anything outside for any long time. At 3 pm Mum said she would come with me to Devotions at Stella Maris. At 4 pm we started off, when the rain cleared for a while. As we reached the corner of Keys St and Tramway Parade I noticed Mr O’Phelan’s black Mercedes turn in from Bodley St. Suddenly they stopped, a door flew open and in no time we were driving up to church. Mr O’Phelan, John Walker and I in the front, Mrs O’Phelan, Joseph and Mum in the back. Unfortunately Avila, with influenza could not come out in the cold. Benediction was beautiful and we had a little procession in honour of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Monday 25th May, 1959
I had an invitation to Art Group film night, which was tonight – apparently Mrs McDougald hadn’t crossed me off the adult group yet. Mum walked up to the kindergarten with me but didn’t come in. The hall was set up like a small theatre and two of the members worked the projectors. The first film was about insects. Most of it was set in Africa and showed how terribly destructive the insect world is when it overruns the country and feeds on, and completely devours the wheat, corn fields etc. Many insects carry diseases such as the tsetse fly and the mosquito. And it showed natives with sleeping sickness, just lying themselves down in the hot dust beneath a stifling cruel sun, to die, and their neighbours, with black bulbous legs and feet, like puffed up leathery balloons – diseased with Elephantitis – still trudging on. And still more with Malaria lying in a delirium, shattered by continuous static tumours, which is so pathetically frightening. Another film gave the full story of an artist V. Mees who made over 6 million pounds from faking paintings and preparing paintings and making them out to be done by the famous – until, very ill, he died in prison. The remaining film explained Chinese Art and showed exactly how the Chinese artist paints a picture.
Tuesday 26th May, 1959
There was no Mass this morning, as since Father went on holidays.
Thursday 28th May, 1959
This morning the weather didn’t look too promising but by about 10 am the sun, although having little warmth, came out from behind the clouds and made things look much brighter. Mary Brady arrived at approx. 10.30. First of all we gathered some flowers from the garden and arranged them in my bedroom which was badly in need of them. Madge McLeish had asked Mum to her place for dinner so Mary and I had ours on our own. Mum left.
Friday 29th May, 1959
Beaumaris may well be called the Antarctic now. The winds are cold and the sun no longer has much warmth in it – what it has is blown away by the gusty chilling winds.
Saturday 30th May, 1959
Father Coakley is still on vacation so there is no Mass said at Stella Maris. After breakfast I went around to Keys St where I met John. I asked him what record he thought Ray would like for his party tonight, and John told me to bring him ‘Jailhouse Rock’ – horrors, or ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. The former was the first record on a pile I picked up in the record bar so I bought it. Margaret Richardson came down for lunch in her new apricot sweater. After dinner we went for a walk to Mentone – it was her idea, she wanted to see St. Bede’s College (hoping they were playing cricket in the front oval?). For Margaret’s sake I watched part of a football match at the local ground, after which we had a ‘malted’ and walked home – with some company … behind us. We made vain attempts to shake them off, but they persisted right to the Lane. Reaching home we met John W. who told me – to my horror – that Ray’s party was beginning at 6.30 pm. I had thought it would be at least 8 pm. I saw Margaret off on the bus and then tore around getting ready. I arrived at 6.30 pm. We had a gorgeous dinner – buffet. I was rather tired after Cambridge but I had a good time – considering. Everyone else – a little more awake than I – seemed to have a terrific time.
Sunday 31st May, 1959
Went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. Mrs Steed had asked me to remind Father of Mr Keith Steed’s death whose anniversary had occurred recently, so I walked, starting at 7.30 not to chance being late, coming in the car. The Mass for the Second Sunday after Pentecost was said. Ray Blackam told me afterwards that Mum and Geoffrey had driven off at least ten minutes before I came out, so consequently I walked home. Mum and Dad went up to Moondai – at least Mum went as far as Tecoma – and took Bill Shade and Diane with them. I believe Thompsons were up there for lunch also. After Geoffrey and I had had some lunch and I washed the dishes Ian Clapperton called. We talked in the lounge room for a while and then, we went for a “thrash” in his car. The “diff” still grated away and the motor ping’d but aside from that the car’s performance was perfect. It was rather windy with the hood down especially going up Oliver’s Hill. After a malted milk at Frankston we drove home. It was about 5.25 pm.
Monday 1st June, 1959
June – the month of the Sacred Heart. I went to Mass this morning. John and the boy Foulsham served. It’s funny (funny – peculiar) when I went into the church I left a dark cold world outside, and when I came out – lo! It was light and bright – but still cold. It was rather a dismal day altogether – almost boring. Still it was the last day of the holidays, and the fact that the second school term starts tomorrow gave it some significance. I caught the bus around to Keys St going to Art Class – taking my plaster casts with me for the classes’ use. It’s a shame Dad doesn’t think I’m worth taking the car out and driving about half a mile for. The class starts at 7 and has about fourteen pupils, and is conducted in conjunction with the Beaumaris Art Group by Miss Nancy Grant. Miss Grant gives us a topic and away we go and try to draw it. Our topic was herself on a Friday afternoon, walking down Chapel St after a busy day, shopping at the Prahran Market. After we’d finished they were spread on the floor and individually she criticised them. Afterwards Ian “Cloppy” Clapperton drove me home, he’d been at our place for a while before I think. As we left the car, on arriving home, firecrackers started zooming over us. We investigated and found the culprits to be Peter Russell and some other friends of Clapperton’s and when we started raving at them, one said: ‘Don’t be mad we’re only having fun.’
Tuesday 2nd June, 1959
Back to school! For some reason unknown to me there was no Mass this morning. The pals hadn’t changed much – just a few new hair styles – that’s all. Second term – the working term! ‘What you don’t learn this term you probably will never learn’. In time for the final exams, I suppose, is meant by that. Old Mrs Nightingale came to give us an Art of Speech lesson. I’m sure it doesn’t do me much good – I try to apply it but I don’t get far. Still I have quite a good knowledge of the structure of the vocal chords etc. etc. I don’t think the lady would appreciate my calling her ‘Old’ Mrs Nightingale. She is the ‘very well preserved’ type of just over middle-aged lady. Always wearing – when I’ve seen her – a well-tailored suit of light material, rather than a tweed, and usually brightly coloured. I’d say she had several of these. Unlike many ladies of her type, Mrs Nightingale’s hair is quite natural, permed, but of a natural colour, a creamy colour, which might lead one to think she had been auburn. Rita Nightingale is similar in nature to Aunt Florence Matchett. After school I went to Devotions at St James.
Wednesday 3rd June, 1959
Margaret has finished knitting her long white scarf and has started on a blue jumper – a rather large – blue jumper, with a high neck and a white band.
Thursday 4th June, 1959
This morning I caught the 6.21 bus from Sandringham outside the front gate, and, for sixpence, took a ride around to the terminus. There, on alighting from the bus, the driver gave me a very queer look – as if to say – ‘some kids sure pick strange times to run away from home’- before I dashed off into the darkness and mud of Oak St. It was a very beautiful morning. Perfect quietness reigned over and through the dark houses and Ti-tree lined tracks winding between them and over the rough dewy paddocks. The sky still held its midnight-blue magic and glorious crimson clouds festooned the East. Before Mass I spoke with John for a few seconds. For a while I thought I would be the only person in the congregation but – and I was for a while, but, towards the Collect a couple of people came in and we ended up with the usual number – about three or four. Saturday brings about six or seven and then on Sundays – hundreds. It makes you wonder just how many would come on Sunday if there was no binding obligation – Yes? After school I went to Devotions over at St James.
Friday 5th June, 1959
Went to 8.30 Mass at Stella Maris. Today is the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and that brought quite a few of the ladies in the Sacred Heart Sodality up to Mass. It is really marvellous to see all the children there on this day. I suppose that is why Mass is said so late. All during Mass they keep squirming and fidgeting – some of them. I was kneeling in a desk-cum-pew, in between two small boys – both about seven or eight years of age. Afterwards I talked to Jill, Sharon and Nanette, then as I hurried out of the gate, in order to catch a bus at about 9.10 at Keys St Mr Walker called, from his car, ‘Are you going straight down this way Pat?’ In a minute we were thumping along Oak St in their Holden Utility, a panel van or something – might be a station wagon! – Mrs Walker with Anne Marie on her lap, John wasn’t there. I was rather late for school but I didn’t need to give Sr. my excuse. We had the Sacred Heart Ceremony in the Hall before dinner. After school I went to Benediction at St James. Fr Spillman says the rosary very carefully as usual so Devotions lasted quite a while. Sr. Attracta is in bed with the flu. I wonder if she misses us?
Saturday 6th June, 1959
There was no theory this morning for Sr. Attracta still has influenza.
Wednesday 10th June, 1959
It was a rather morbid day – frightfully regular and wearing – almost nauseating. Of course I should think of it comparatively with other days I could have spent. Something terrible could have happened but didn’t. But somehow I don’t seem to be able to raise much enthusiasm to be overjoyed about that. I hadn’t finished one of my homework sums and so Sr. Stephane sent me out on the veranda until I had finished it – it was a ‘stocks and shares’ problem. Ugh! Well I sat out there for half an hour with Angie McBeth, Barbara James and Carolyn Mercer – all of whom were in the same boat. For that half hour ‘wasted’ we had to do half an hour’s detention after school, in the Art Room – that ghastly room recently having been painted three different shades a purple and two different shades of green – gloss finish where people are likely to touch it, matt everywhere else. The pictures, in yellow frames, hung on the … purple walls do not satisfy my taste for beautiful and I think perhaps they have deadened it considerably.
Thursday 11th June, 1959
I was tired to the point of being ill this morning, so I got up for a few minutes then went straight back to bed. I did a little art homework – a picture of ten little girls – Star of the Sea Juniors, and three little boys – also St. S. Juniors, playing at recess in the playground. A very mild looking sister is watching them, with one of the little girls tagging on to her by her hand. Part of the brick wall and three fir trees are in the background. After I had finished that I did maths for the rest of the day. Today is Grandma Cuffley’s birthday and it is also Geoffrey’s. I suppose Peter and Brian have each made birthday cards and sent them to Grandma. She must think I am terrible not to have done so also – but we’ll be seeing her on Sunday so I can apologise then. I should be writing an article for the second issue of ‘The Book of Revelations’ which is a three page magazine – or newsletter, written, printed and distributed by the Form IV A Art and Literature Group of the Y.C.S. I could write it on the ‘Cold War’ or something similar – it’s no use waiting for inspiration, I’ve just got to choose a topic and push ahead and pray to be inspired then.
Friday 12th June, 1959
There is nothing as good as a Friday in between two holidays. It gives one a glimpse of school without care or without much care. In the afternoon we have two maths periods and then I have a music lesson – it sounds rather horrible – but maths on a Friday is a rest – having a little – very little excitement and today Sr. Attracta had still not returned to teaching so we presume she still has influenza. So, it wasn’t all that bad. This morning we took Mrs Scales to work, in the car, and she told us all about the trip of Mr Scales, herself and Marcia had taken during the May Vacation. They had gone north, to Renmark, Mildura and along the Murray R. It all sounded lovely – and very warm – for May. At 7.35 Mum and I left home in the Jaguar for ‘Star of the Sea’. The Loyola Musical and Dramatic Society were putting on The Yeomen of the Guard in the Assembly Hall. The lively operetta was produced very well and certain characters, especially a horrible ape-ish looking gaol keeper, made it very humorous. Afterwards we drove Margaret Richardson home and I met her father for the first time.
Saturday 13th June, 1959
It was pouring with rain, and very wet and cold when I awoke. Theory was not until 10.30 I had been told. When I arrived I found that there was to be no theory at all. However, I went off to St James, and with a handkerchief over my head I attended a wedding. I thought, when entering that it was an ordinary Saturday morning Mass, and it was not until Mass was almost over that I noticed a young girl, a beautiful bride, and supposedly a very new wife, kneeling opposite a young gentleman, in the sanctuary. After Mass I waited outside to see them come into the churchyard. The photographer wanted to take them standing in a less windy corner but the bride, contemplating the idea of walking across the puddled yard, objected. So they were taken just outside the porch where it was terribly cold and windy. ‘We don’t mind being cold,’ she said.
Friday 19th June, 1959
The dancing class was held at Stella Maris tonight. The first of eight, I think.
Sunday 21st June, 1959
Went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. I didn’t know it was Children of Mary Sunday until I saw some white veils in the front pew – so I joined them. Afterwards I walked home with Mary O’Regan and Pat O’Maeghan.
Tuesday 23rd June, 1959
This morning I rose at 6 and completed my homework – or to be more accurate I half rose, for I did it sitting up in bed. It was Maths – which I later found out and all the other ‘maths kids’ didn’t have to be finished until Wednesday or Thursday. Miss Nightingale called on three or four girls to give impromptu speeches – the title ‘Flat Life’ – a life in a flat. Beforehand as she pondered over a list of names she said: ‘Now who is the first lamb to be led to the slaughter.’ Everyone quivered in their seats. I came home on the bus with Kerry Wilson and Gay Peterson, who persisted in murmuring the well-known strains of ‘Who is Elvis?’ by M.D. ‘Who is Elvis’: Who is Elvis, what is he/ That all our hip-cats dig him/ He it is made rock ‘n roll famous/ The heavens such help did lend him/ To Elvis let us drink/ For Elvis is excelling/ He excels each mortal thing/ Upon this dull earth dwelling. (Slight resemblance to ‘Who is Silvia?’ by W. Shakespeare.
Thursday 25th June, 1959
It was Jenny Phipp’s birthday today. She was fifteen – coming on. Pat Williams also, and the same too, I think. I suppose it inaccurate to say Jenny’s birthday – because after all it isn’t, is it? That was fifteen years ago. Well it was the fourteenth anniversary of her birthday. That means she’s sixteen – as the Asians count it. I really don’t know why she joined the Y.C.S. Of course I’m very pleased that she did. At first I thought it might have been largely because of the activity – she was rather fond of writing – it seemed ( I have long since given up the hope that it was because she desired to put her mind on her apostolate and carry out as thoroughly as she could a life of Catholic Action – as a good schoolgirl should.) But it appears now that she either has lost her flair for writing or she has become extremely lazy. At the moment May Rae and I are pressing her for an article for the “Book of Revelation” or rather May Rae decidedly crushes her – in the corner of the cloakroom screaming: ‘Jennifer Phipps! If you don’t give me the poem by tomorrow morning we’re going to throw you out of the group – see- throw you out.’
Friday 26th June, 1959
Today is Clare Walters’ birthday. She is fifteen today. I don’t know what she’s had done to her hair but it somewhat resembles the “Frizz Op”, Mrs Hayes had on – it looks nice on Clare. We had the usual Friday Maths test – but I didn’t do too badly – comparatively. At music Sr. Attracta noticed I had a cold and told me that I needn‘t come to theory tomorrow, which I thanked her for. I arrived at Dancing Class on time tonight or before it had started anyway. I was told several times why John was not there. One reason was, from Ray, because he had too much homework, another was that he had to get up early in the morning for Chemistry – down at St Bede’s. There were a few new ones – more my age. Paul Lawson, Damian and Gary Collins and a few of their boy-friends, then David Young as last week. Father Coakley came in – just as David and I were having a cakewalk – to see how much we’d learnt, so off we went – right through the repertoire – foxtrot, samba, etc. etc. After supper when nearly everyone had gone, Paul brought out some Johnnie O’Keefe records and we played those for a while and they turned out to be terrific.
Saturday 27th June, 1959
Well – I took Sr. Attracta’s advice and stayed in bed, till about 11.30; then I got up, dressed and went around to Keys St. In the newsagents, Mr Nelson’s, I met Anne Marie Walker. When I turned from the counter she looked up from T.V. magazine with a picture of ‘Kooku’ on the cover, over which she was gloating, and said in amazement: ‘Oh, Hello Pat – I thought you were a lady.’ I took no offence from this, because I knew what she meant – or rather I hoped she meant, what I thought she meant – that she didn’t recognise me at a glance from behind. ‘Monsieur Cézanne’, or Paul Lawson, as he is commonly known, puts me to shame with his artistic triumphs as today I took out all the old paraphernalia – turpentine, linseed oil, rags, papers, brushes, palettes, oil paints and a piece of Masonite board – stood it on my easel and started to work. I thought of Paul Cézanne’s rocks in ‘A Rocky Scene near Arles’ and decided to paint a rocky Scene – which I did – but I am not sure whether or not it should be quite so rocky.
Sunday 28th June, 1959
Mum, Geoffrey and I drove up to Mass at about 7.50 am. I went in with Lyn Henry. We were a little late so we didn’t have a seat (pity some of the men couldn’t have offered us a couple) and stood or knelt. Father organised in the Parish the ‘Forty Hours Adoration’, so the Blessed Sacrament was exposed all day, part of yesterday and part of tomorrow. During Mass a little girl – about 18 months I suppose – insisted on pulling or trying to pull the tabs on my coat, or at other times putting her fingers in her mouth then putting them straight down on my missal. The older brother tried in vain to stop her with: ‘Mustn’t touch, mustn’t touch’ to which she paid not the slightest heed. After lunch I walked up to Christensen’s with a frame I wanted to be reduced a little – and Mr C. had promised to do it once before so he has it to do ‘at his leisure.’ Mum went up to Stella Maris for the hour’s adoration at about 4 pm but I didn’t arrive till 4.50. We stayed till half past five, talked with Father and Uncle Leigh for a while then went home.
Monday 29th June, 1959
The landscape I painted on Saturday looks even worse to me today. The green mountains over the inlet look more like heaps of grass cuttings just dumped side by side, rather than solid masses of earth, bound with shrubbery and trees firmly planted in the ground. Tonight I intended to go to an Art Group meeting at the O.P. K’garten. It – was to show us the art work of Arthur Boyd who is one of Melbourne’s most prominent artists at the moment – don’t ask me why. However, I was too tired and had a pile of homework to do so I gave it away. Today Fr. Keeny came to examine us in Christian Doctrine. Most of the morning, we studied up that. He asked me the question: ‘What do you mean by saying the Faith is an infused theological virtue?’ I answered him by saying that God infused Faith into our souls at Baptism and it is called a theological virtue because its object is God. Strangely enough – that was right. I found in the post-box tonight a letter, or rather a short invitation, from Mrs Henry – Lyn’s mother – to a party at their home on the 12th July. So, I can look forward to that.
Tuesday 30th June, 1959
Today I went to school by train, as usual on a Tuesday. I walked from Gardenvale St to school with Anne Shirely – who’s just as enthusiastic – I find – as the rest of the family. Her mother started the Sandringham Women’s Yacht Club – with Mrs Edment. Miss Nightingale still hasn’t asked me to give an impromptu speech – so it’s sure to be next week. I tremble at the thought of it – but most of the girls who go out make quite a good job of it. A little trouble has flared up in class between one of the leading lights of the form and Sr. A few other bright sparks have joined the girl and I’m sure are doing serious damage to Sr.’s good name – in the eyes of the portion of the class that sit and lap it up and don’t think – if they did I’m sure they’d find Sr. is right – I think she is. Oh, well who knows, it all might do some good in the end. I came home with Kerry Wilson and Gay Petersen on the bus. Margaret Swift told us she was moving to Brighton – it’s a shame – for me – I liked coming home with her. She moved to go to ‘Star’ and is now at ‘O’Neill’ studying to be a school teacher.