Generations United Through Art and Legacy
At the recent Graduation Exhibition, Year 12 student Freya Townsend was awarded the inaugural Principal’s Acquisition Award for her art piece titled United in Grief. The piece was inspired by her grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s and his sudden passing.
In a style inspired by artist Eric White’s use of overlaying images, Freya was inspired to overlay contrasting images of ‘healthy’ and ‘sick’.
Artist Statement
In Freya’s artist statement, she says, “This lack of clarity and the semi-abstracted subject I aim to convey shows the perplexity and ineffable reality that my Grandpa and others with the disease would face, and to an extent, their caretakers, loved ones and anyone who saw the disease at play. The action of my grandma with an empty jug trying to cut a rose (a symbol of their love) represents grief and this unfulfillment, with her yearning for this connection once more, post-disease and after death. I was inspired by Frida Kahlo’s The Two Frida’s (1939), a double portraiture, highlighting the emotional connection between oneself, which I wanted to draw attention to with my grandma’s new chapter in her life, without her husband, my Grandpa. My piece communicates the concept that those who have gone aren’t really gone but still live on in our memories, and the impact and difference that individual has made to many lives. My Grandma and Grandpa shared a passion for gardening. Now, my grandma is living with a beautiful flourishing garden, a constant reminder of their life together.”
Freya’s grandmother, Doreen Chater, was present at the exhibition to see her receive her award.
Doreen's Legacy
Doreen has her own special connection to Santa Maria, where she taught for many years. One student she remembers fondly is our Principal, Jennifer Oaten.
Doreen started at Santa Maria College in the middle of 1982, taking on a temporary part-time position as a maths teacher. Although it was only expected to last until the end of the year, Doreen accepted the position as it was an opportunity to gain experience teaching in a Catholic school.
Towards the end of the last term, Sister Sheila Sawle, Principal at the time, approached Doreen and said she had plans for her at the College and asked her not to apply for other teaching positions.
Frank Owen was the Deputy Principal, and when Sister Sheila retired, Frank became Principal. Recognising the need for department heads in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies to oversee both the upper and lower school, Frank approached Doreen to take on the role of Head of Maths. She agreed to a trial basis for a year, which eventually led to a long-term commitment.
As the years passed, Doreen saw changes in the department, with new teachers like Christopher Houlihan who is now the CEO at Mercy Education Ltd. Doreen also had the support of Sister Consilli, who served as her mentor.
In 1992, Doreen’s life took an unexpected turn when she lost her hearing overnight. It was a devastating blow, not just for Doreen but also for her students. However, her determination and the support of her students gave her the hope and strength to continue teaching. Year 12 students even started a petition to have her stay on. The College’s support extended beyond its walls, with Heads of Departments from other schools also offering their support.
Doreen continued as Head of Maths for the next eight years before retiring at the end of 2000.
An Unexpected Turn
In 1992, Doreen’s life took an unexpected turn when she lost her hearing overnight. It was a devastating blow, not just for Doreen but also for her students. However, her determination and the support of her students gave her the hope and strength to continue teaching. Year 12 students even started a petition to have her stay on. The College’s support extended beyond its walls, with Heads of Departments from other schools also offering their support.
Doreen continued as Head of Maths for the next eight years before retiring at the end of 2000.
Common Threads
It was a joy for Doreen and her husband when their granddaughters, Freya and Evie, enrolled at Santa Maria. Doreen has witnessed several changes in the school since her time here, including physical changes, smaller class sizes and the implementation of the curriculum she had envisioned. When Freya showed an interest in art, Doreen knew she would excel in the school that had once been known for its focus on art, drama, and music.
Doreen is proud that her granddaughters are attending a school where the Mercy ethos remains strong, and it brings her much happiness to see elements from her own past still alive through her grandchildren. Doreen’s faith remains important to her, and she is grateful that her grandchildren can receive a faith-based education at the school she has such wonderful memories of.
- Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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