TheHallowian-2021Vol2 - Flipbook - Page 6
A Whole Day of
Silence
Angela O’Malley (Begley)
Class of 1973, staff member 1978-2020
During my time on staff at All Hallows’ I
was involved in the preparation of many
student retreats. We would explore themes
about self-identity, self-worth, healthy
relationships, and social justice. The
activities involved fun ice breaker games,
meditation and the liturgies which were rich
with symbolism and colour.
I must admit that during these times of
preparation my mind would recall the
memories of my Year 8 Retreat and I would
smile at the difference. For us, it was simply
a whole day of silence. We would sit in the
Chapel with only a few prayer cards and
books available for reflection. These long
blocks of silence were broken with times
when we were allowed to sit on the Terrace
but again in silence. Silence was to be
maintained during morning tea and lunch on
the Terrace but it also provided a welcome
change and an opportunity for some bold
girls to pass notes!
Personally, I must admit that although it
was a challenge and it was a long day, I
didn’t really mind this time of solitude and
doing nothing. The digital world means that
students today live with constant distraction
and so they love times of silent meditation
on retreat and in Religious Education classes
often asking for extra opportunities.
On reflection, perhaps the sisters knew how
important it was to simply be still and silent
and allow your spirit to catch up but I’m not
sure about being thrown in at the deep end!
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The Hallowian | 2021
All Hallows’ Abroad
Marie Vallely Mullins
Class of 1980, staff member since 1984
Having done a quarter of our 160 years, 3 as a
student and 37 as a teacher, I have been blessed
to have met so many wonderful people and our
paths continue to cross unexpectantly.
In August 2011, my family were fortunate
to holiday in the USA. A couple of days
after arriving in New York, we realised that
a hurricane, Irene, was about to hit. On the
morning it was due, we rose early and headed
straight for the Empire State Building as that was
on our must-do list. By mid-morning, the city
was starting to close. There were very few cabs
or people in the streets, so we decided to walk
back towards the hotel. Arriving at a café which
was advertising traditional New York Cheesecake,
my family didn’t need too much convincing to go
in.
On entering the somewhat crowded café, my
husband got in the queue to get served while my
daughter and I found a table. When I looked up
to get his attention, there was an AHS Past Pupil
standing in front of him in the queue. She was
by herself, so she happily joined us. Here we are
in New York about to be hit by a hurricane and I
managed to find an AHS girl.
“AHS Abroad” is not an uncommon event for
me, I have run into AHS girls all over the world
from the Information girl working at Harrods in
London in the mid 80’s to a current student in
the queue for tickets at the Louvre in Paris. I
have been spotted across a busy street near the
Sistine Chapel in Rome and by a flight attendant
between Tokyo and Hong Kong.
No matter when or where it happens, it is always
a reminder as to how vast the All Hallows’
network is and how lucky we are to be part of it.