Cathy Carey: A Life, A Job, A Vocation

With her family’s connections, Cathy Carey, a long-term member of the library staff at St Michael’s Adelaide (SMCA), swims in the tide of St Michael’s near Henley Beach. The Careys go back to 1954 and the little primary school at Beverley of 29 pupils and three Brothers teaching. There, her mother’s parents helped set up the school on the soil, it is said, of “the famous South Australian celery.” Since then, her brothers and sisters – in all 6 of them - have been students at SMA, now centred at Henley Beach as the main senior campus.

Cathy’s father was a foreman at a paint factory, and her mother, returning to work in 1975, had a position in the College office, which lasted for 15 years. In 1972 SMA had opened its doors to female matriculating students from Sienna College. Five years later, Cathy came for her Year 12. After working elsewhere, at 24 years of age, she applied to Br. Paul Rogers, Principal at the time, for the casual library assistant job, and was successful. Thus, a long satisfying career started.

Cathy says that she “found (the school)…to be a very close community, with a strong bond between staff, especially the brothers, students and parents.” Staff especially memorable for her were Peter O’Toole and Karen Seekamp, “truly outstanding people”

When asked what have been the highlights of her many years at SMA, she points to the students who “keep you young… That’s what we are here for.” Relating to the youth and seeing the positive side of teenagers is memorable. Cathy sees the library being, at times, a safe haven for those who get into trouble in the school yard. Over the years, there is a change for those students in life skills.

In contrast “the lowest point for me was the Brothers leaving,” when the District could no longer provide a Brothers’ community to work on staff. What of the spirit today at St Michael’s?

Cathy sees the school promoting and having as goal that students be the best they can be, and for the teachers to strongly engage with individuals. The school is happy to have Br John Pill, a past principal, visit, support and animate once a term as well.

“Working in a school is not so much a job, but a vocation…To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest gift you can offer.”

Source: Br Gary Wilson