Music Throughout our History: The Legacy of Sister Helen

Sister Helen Marie was our headmistress from 1971-1977. She was one of the SSA Sisters most closely associated with education. Of her 47 years as a professed sister, Sister Helen spent 26 of those years in North Queensland as principal of St Mary’s at Herberton, St Gabriel’s in Charters Towers and St Anne’s in Townsville. She originally taught at St Margaret’s in the 1930s and was also Principal at St Aidan’s. A letter from the Bishop of North Queensland, the Right Reverend John Lewis, described Sister Helen as “one of the most dedicated and notable Sisters to ever serve in the diocese”.

She is remembered as a meticulous person who demanded high standards of every person in the school. But perhaps, best of all, she is remembered for her great love of music. St Mary’s at Herberton became known as “The Music School of the North”. Sister Helen, with her intense love of music, formed a small school orchestra that performed at musical soirees attended by not only those connected with the school, but also by the townspeople of Herberton. With her skilful musicianship, Sister Helen taught all the orchestral instruments, including the saxophone, for which all music had to be transposed a major 6^th – no easy feat!

In the time that she held office at St Margaret’s, our school experienced sweeping changes: Butler Street saw the construction of tennis courts; a modernised laboratory and classroom block, Avoca, took the place of the old Middle Block; extensive alterations were made to the dining room and kitchen, and renovations were also made to the tuckshop.

Sister Helen was found to be a good listener and an astute observer of people and events. Her love of beauty, order and quiet would have been sorely tested by the students of the time. She was keenly interested in both music and art and these school departments prospered because of her encouragement. When she first joined the SSA, she taught music to many students.

In 1984, the Jackson Wing was opened, and part of that wing contained the Sister Helen Theatrette, equipped with a projector room and large screen and a large music classroom. That room has morphed into SHOR – the Sister Helen Orchestra Room. There is a Sister Helen Memorial Prize for Music awarded annually at our Speech Night. It is given to a Year 12 music student for outstanding contribution to the Music Department over a period of years. This girl will also have been an excellent St Margaret’s school representative and be talented musically.

Our highest-level concert band has been named the Sister Helen Wind Symphony in honour of Sister Helen’s commitment to building music capacity within students at St Margaret’s.

The music department has continued to grow over the years. Guided by the expertise of acclaimed music teachers, St Margaret’s girls have earnt acclaim on both the national and international stage. With the new Performing Arts Precinct, the legacy of Sister Helen, begun back in the 70s, will continue to inspire, direct and nurture musical talent both now and into the future.

Per Volar Sunata

Mary Surtees
Archivist