Mrs Ann Rebgetz Principal
Mr Frank McCullagh Deputy Principal
Mrs Linda Upton Past Students Liaison Officer
Lt/Col Nan Barr (QUT Professor & Assistant Dean)
Distinguished Guests
Fellow students of Saint Columban’s College,
Past and Present
The Healy Family
Our motto.
Spirit, Tradition, Community
Last year, 2011, was a very historic day in the life of the college as it was the first occasion since the Vietnam War that the college had invited its Vietnam Veterans back – almost 50 years since the war started. It was a day that the students “absolutely loved” according to the Principal, Ann Rebgetz.
The ceremony was beautiful with unique aspects. The college personnel responsible for the organisation and conduct of the ceremony are to be congratulated. The participation of a Catafalque Party of Regular Soldiers is a very significant achievement. (Rachel Mancini (nee Caughey) & Brendan (guard Commander) & Chris her brothers? – Dad Michael)
Since last year’s Anzac Day ceremony:
- Ray Whiteman died on 19th July 2011. Ray was Principal from 1962 to 1967. Even though he was in declining health he was aware of his old college welcoming back its Vietnam Veterans. He was also very pleased that the event was so successful.
- Vietnam Veteran Rodney Kenneth Orreal died on 9th October 2011. Rod served as a Sergeant with 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight in Vietnam in 1969.
This year, 2012, our focus is on the Supreme Sacrifice made by our fellow student Vincent Joseph HEALY who was Killed In Action in Korea on the 7thof March 1951 – 61 years ago. Another 11 Australian soldiers were Killed In Action that day in Korea and 31 more were wounded.
The Healy family has a strong tradition of education at Saint Columban’s and service in the Australian Military. Vince’s brother, Peter, is a Vietnam Veteran and was seriously wounded in Vietnam. As part of his convalescence at 1 Military Hospital at Yeronga he was treated by fellow “old boy” Brigadier Graham Maynard.
Another brother, Jim, was a Warrant Officer Class One in the Army. He died suddenly after refereeing an Army football match in Townsville in 1969.
One of Vince’s nephews, Pat Evans, is a Colonel in the Australian Army and has travelled from Canberra for today’s ceremony.
One of Vince’s sisters, Monica Roberts, has travelled from Newcastle for today’s ceremony.
Vince’s brother Peter will shortly give you more background on Vince.
It appears to have been a well kept secret but Saint Columban’s has a fine military tradition.
As far as I know we have a Major General, Geoff Carter, a Brigadier, Graham Maynard, a Colonel, Patrick Evans, and three Lieutenant Colonels in Lawrie Parker, Ivan Clarke and Brian Hodge as Vietnam Veterans who attended Saint Columban’s College.
Saint Columban’s wasn’t founded until after World War One. For World War Two the tradition appears to have been that we had 220 fellow students who served. 18 of those were killed in action and 10 fellow students were decorated for heroic actions.
Our fellow students won a number of Military Crosses/Medals and the RAAF equivalent the Distinguished Flying Cross.
I’d also like to congratulate the reader of the poem “The Lonely Forward Scout”. Name? ……………………..
As part of our thank you to Ann, Frank, Linda all the other staff and you present day students we present you with this frame relating to our fellow student Vincent Joseph HEALYKilled In Action in Korea on the 7th March 1951.
I invite the 2012 College Captains to come forward and accept this gift from us.
Flowers for Ann.
Donations to college – photos, books etc.
Terry Fogarty
23 April 2012
My cousin’s (Bill Baillie) grandchildren:
Rebecca Rockley Year 11
Emily Rockley Year 9
Michelle – Mum – husband Shane
Son Nicholas – former STC Student.
1st XV Coach – Darren Crilly
Archivist – Margie Hallinan