The Hallowian 2020: Vol II - Flipbook - Page 5
Angela O’Malley:
A Rich and Lasting Legacy
At the final school assembly for 2020, the All Hallows’
community celebrated the distinguishedcontribution of
retiring staff member, Mrs Angela O’Malley (Begley).
Celebrating 160 years
In 2021, All Hallows’ celebrates the 160th anniversary
of the foundation of our School.
On 10 May 1861, Mother M Vincent (Ellen) Whitty and
her companions, including SM Benedict McDermott,
SM Cecilia McAuliffe, SM Catherine Morgan and
postulant Emily Conlan (later SM Bridget), arrived in
Brisbane from Ireland and England.
One can only imagine the first impressions of these
courageous missionaries as they surveyed colonial
Brisbane.
Mother Vincent’s leadership was founded on her firm
trust in God’s providence. She was greatly influenced
by the spirituality of Catherine McAuley, who had
personally guided her formation and the two sisters
remained close until Catherine’s death in 1841.
Mother Vincent immediately saw the need for a school
to provide a Catholic education for the young women
of the colony, particularly the poor. The first student,
Annie Tighe, was admitted to St Stephen’s School in
Charlotte Street on 15 December 1861. In November
1863, the sisters and students moved to Adderton and
the School was blessed as All Hallows’.
Could Mother Vincent and her companions have
dared to dream of All Hallows’ in the 21st century—
its eminent place in society and the outstanding
achievements of its students locally, nationally and
internationally; its active outreach of Mercy spirituality
at home and abroad; and the state-of-the-art learning
spaces surrounding the beautiful Chapel?
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The Hallowian | 2020
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of Mercy Education
Throughout 160 years,
All Hallows’ women
have excelled in almost
every field of human
endeavour
Throughout 160 years, All Hallows’ women have
excelled in almost every field of human endeavour—
medicine, health and social science; law, commerce
and business; science, technology, engineering and
mathematics; education; liberal and creative arts;
government and journalism; trades and sport.
They have performed on the national and international
stages in our parliaments the media, and elite sporting
competitions such as the Olympic and Commonwealth
Games, and at the United Nations. They have lived as
women of Mercy in their families, communities and
religious congregations.
What will the future hold for All Hallows’ in the next
160 years? As we celebrate our history with gratitude,
we embrace the future with confidence in God’s
providence and continue to live our Mercy values of
respect, compassion, integrity, joy, service and justice.
Dieu et Devoir.
Angela was a student at All Hallows’ from 1969—1973
and a staff member for an outstanding 42 years. During
her career, she served as Director of Mission, Head of
English, teacher of Religious Education and English and,
most recently, Mercy Charism Coordinator.
Principal Catherine O’Kane described Angela as a
wonderful teacher, trusted advisor and inspiring role
model, who always led by example, demonstrating
exactly what it means to live our mercy values through
her words and actions. Tributes were read from three
former Principals as well as representatives of Angela’s
first and final classes.
Sr Anne Hetherington recalled the time she employed
Angela: ‘I saw her as someone with integrity, a social
conscience and a deep faith. I knew that she would
“go the extra mile” to be a great role model for the
students in and beyond the classroom.’
Sr Anne O’Farrell reflected that ‘Mrs O’Malley
exemplifies the life of a loving, caring, committed
Christian woman and her contribution to the formation
of young Mercy women at All Hallows’ has been
immeasurable’.
Guard of Honour: Angela O’Malley
Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM highlighted how Angela pursued
a successful career through exemplifying Mercy
values: ‘She has demonstrated how you can shape
your professional journey in many different ways
that allow you to be stimulated and enriched while
also enriching others. Irrespective of the role, Mrs
O’Malley epitomised all that is Mercy—a strong, gentle,
courageous woman who looked for, and drew out, the
blessings in every individual’.
Past pupil Kathy Maguire (Devery), a student in Angela’s
11A class in 1979, reflected on the young Miss Begley
and her role in shaping so many lives.Maia Thomas, a
student in Angela’s last class, thanked her for devoting
her life to embodying and sharing the spirit of mercy
and for her wisdom, compassion, service and love.
Angela has left a rich and lasting legacy of Mercy
through the many thousands of lives influencedover42
years. In the words of Catherine McAuley, she has
been a shining lamp, giving light to many generations
of young women through their All Hallows’ journey
and we will be forever grateful for her extraordinary
contribution.
Before Angela’s farewell at assembly, the entire student
body and staff formed a guard of honour through the
campus. You can view it below.