Principal's Message
Vale Sr Angela Burke
Some of our families may have already heard the sad news of the passing of Sr Angela Burke last week. Sr Angela worked at the College in various roles, and was the author of a great book that captures the history of this College. She is remembered fondly by staff members as a gifted woman, with an abundance of love to give. Stories have been shared about her love of music, Irish dancing (very accomplished in her younger days), the Performing Arts, and Archives.
In her introduction to the History of St Columba’s College 1897 – 2012, Sr Angela wrote:
At the end of January 2003 I arrived at Moonee Ponds and presented myself at St Columba’s…. When the students returned, I immediately felt very comfortable with them and began to marvel at the skills, passion and commitment of the Music staff and students. In the Archives I uncovered a wonderful story, carefully documented and arranged by Sr Josephine Cannell. Clearly the mission of the Sisters of Charity was being carried on and the students knew much more about Mary Aikenhead than I did while at school and shared her desire to serve the poor. I pray each one that read this book becomes more aware of the blessings of the past, the beauty of traditions and the challenge of carrying the lessons learned from life into the future.
We hold the Sisters of Charity in our hearts and our prayers as they continue to farewell their beloved Sisters. We offer a special prayer for all the Sisters who have died, for those who remain, who are the carers and the carriers of a deeply shared grief.
The following recollection is thanks to Fiona Hili and Therese Chapman.
Sr Angela Burke was a gifted woman and Sister of Charity who served St Columba’s with full heart and a passion beyond words from about 2003 to 2013. As an only child (even without cousins) music was her constant companion and first love. She attended St Vincent’s Potts Point in Sydney and was an avid student of the violin. She became an accomplished violinist and talented singer. She always spoke of the influence and encouragement of her mother very fondly in this regard.
On arriving at St Columba’s, under the Performing Arts Leadership of Darren Emerson, she administered the incredible Instrumental Music Program and Music curriculum, Concerts, Recitals, Drama and Dance Events, Musicals and was a constant on the ground. She always managed to be in the middle of the fun, performing and sharing her expertise in Violin ensembles, the College Bands, the Orchestra and Choirs. She was the spotlight act in many of the Staff Choir recitals.
Many staff who worked with her over these years remember her as ‘a first responder’, so welcoming, so invested and genuinely interested in all our lives. She called Sydney home and often pined to be back there, but threw herself into life on every level at the College, knowing families and staff as extended family.
History was another love and she immensely enjoyed her work with Gail Harris in Archives. Her ‘crowning jewel’ and gift of dedicated research was ‘History of St Columba’s College’ which can be found in our Library and in many offices all over the College. It is a work of love, tireless research and utmost care drawing together with extraordinary detail, the fascinating story of the expansion of our College from its humble beginnings.
Angela was a rare and precious gift to so many St Columba’s students, families and staff who remember her kindness, willingness and dedication with great fondness.
2012- Sr Angela – St Columba’s Day, 2012 with April Honeyman dressed as an original Sister of Charity.
2007- Sr Angela Burke – Musical Genius, Music and Performing Arts Administrator, College Archivist and author of ‘ The History of St Columba’s College’
2005- Sr Angela and some of the Performing Arts Crew
