Ignatius Park digs history in making
STUDENTS and “old boys” have buried sentimental items to preserve a piece of school history as part of Ignatius Park College’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The time capsule was blessed before being buried deep underground, not to be opened until 2069.
School captain Thomas Harte said helping sink a piece of school history was a special moment.
“I’m really glad I got the chance to be captain, especially in the 50th year,” he said. “I’ve been here since Year 8 and I think it’s really interesting looking back.
“We’ve been looking back a lot on the history of the school and how the brotherhood has developed – the whole school is really built around it and that culture hasn’t changed.”
Filled with handwritten letters, uniforms and school magazines old and recent, principal Shaun Clarke said the time capsule was a reflection of all the people who had been involved with the college over the years.
“Eight thousand five hundred old boys have graduated over the past 50 years and we always say when you walk out the gates of Iggy Park you’re always part of this school and carry that sense of making a positive difference in the world,” Mr Clarke said.
“The sinking of the capsule was about where we’ve come and where we want to go to, it was really a moment in time to capture who we are as a school now.”
Former student
Emene Kelemete Deacon said his schooling years at Ignatius Park College influenced his decision to follow his faith.
“I’m being ordained at the school in October. It’s a sign of gratitude for what I’ve achieved here and I hope to inspire the boys as they go through their ney,” he said.
“Just looking to the cofounder’s story and how he helped those in need, it was an inspiration to me to foster that same sense of respect, love, care and develop a safe school jourspace for all people to enter into.”
Deacon Emene said returning to the school for its 50th celebrations brought up fond memories.
“I’m a people person but I struggled at school quite a lot on the academic side but I was supported a lot. It was inspiration for me to see you were never alone,” he said.
“I can still see that same element of the teachers who have that same compassion for the students.”