We had a very special guest speaker on 12 March, Ms Belinda McMartin, CEO of the Museum of Fire at Penrith. Belinda is an ex-student of St Patrick’s from the class of 2006 and was a keen Modern and Ancient History student at St Patrick’s. After graduating school, Belinda studied at the University of Sydney and became a Museum Curator working at the Bradman Museum among other placements.

Belinda spoke to the History Club about the various career opportunities for those who wished to pursue their love of history beyond school. She also explained the various jobs and roles she has undertaken whilst working in the museum field. The students also had an opportunity to ask Belinda questions. The Museum of Fire is currently holding a competition for students - information can be found at https://www.museumoffire.net/2021-history-competition

On 19 March, local studies librarians from Campbelltown Library came to the College and video interviewed History Club members Caitlin R, Bronwyn Z, Lily K, Charlotte D, Nikitta J and Kaitlyn A. As part of the National Trust Heritage Festival theme ‘Our Heritage For the Future’, they have been interviewing some senior members of Campbelltown asking them what Campbelltown used to be like. Our students were interviewed about what the Campbelltown of the future should be like and which famous Campbelltownians they admired most. This video will go online in the future.

The History Club is working eagerly on the school Anzac Assembly which will be held on 4 May. Our theme this year is ‘Women in Service’.

A lovely article appeared in the Macarthur Advertiser recently about the History Club’s success in the 2020 Anzac Day Schools Award winning the award for ‘Most Innovative Commemoration’ in an Australian school https://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/7163450/macarthur-schools-encouraged-to-take-part-in-anzac-award/

One of the History Club’s dearest friends is 105 year old World War II veteran, Bert Collins. He came and visited the girls in 2019 and took part in the College Fisher’s Ghost parade entry in that year. Bert is a melanoma survivor and is doing ‘laps’ to fundraise for melanoma research in the same way Britain’s Sir Captain Tom Moore raised money for the NHS. If you would like to make a donation please visit https://melanomamarch.org.au/ A video about Bert can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4VizTCP3bM

Photos in this article are courtesy of Julian Nash

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher