By Marg Stork
OVER the years, many former students of Dandenong High School have been privileged to enjoy reunions at the Princes Highway campus and renewed many a friendship with past classmates.
Yet another get-together is being planned – this time for the class of 1952 – for Saturday, October 27, to which students from 1947-52 are invited.
“It’s 60 years since those who went through to form 6 left Dandenong High,” says Don Turner, one of the initiators of the reunion.
I attended Dandenong High after completing primary school at the Hampton Park school in Somerville Road.
I started writing for The Dandenong Journal as a freelance correspondent when I was at primary school. I started at Dandenong High when aged ten and a half. Mr JL Griffiths was principal and Ms Banks taught us commercial practices and principles.
With her expertise, we learned Pitman’s shorthand and I was fortunate to achieve 120 words a minute.
If any former DHS students of the class of ’52 are still in the Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia and surrounding areas and can help Mr Turner to compile his invitation list, call him on 0429 916 550 or 5987 2375.
Friends of refugees
The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre has changed its name and now operates as the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre.
Importantly, neither its ideals nor its wonderful help to refugees has changed.
The centre, which has been operating in Dandenong for 19 years, has a staff of 60 who help newcomers to integrate into Australian society and offer 38 programs suited to diverse age groups and needs.
The manager of client services, Bill Collopy, says most of the staff members are can speak at least two languages and work with a range of age groups.
“We work with young people in schools and at other community facilities,” he said.
The centre is at 314 Thomas Street and can be contacted on 9706 8933.
Renaissance of local art
The Heritage Hill historical precinct in McCrae Street, Dandenong, is welcoming its springtime artists in residence.
This month brings printmaker and digital artist Kosar Majani to set up her studio in the school room.
Between October 1-26 , the exhibition You are never too old to create will showcase work from artists aged 72-92.
Applications are now open for the exhibition schedule for 2013 and the new and expanded artist-in-residence scheme.
Anyone interested in booking exhibition spaces can call 9793 4511 or email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
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