50 years since the moon landing

At the end of these coming holidays there will be celebrations of a significant event: the first manned landing on the moon, that of Apollo 11, took place on 20 July 1969 (US time) and in Australia it was 21 July.

In those days the coverage of a live international event was quite special. Some Dominic College old scholars, who were in school at our predecessor schools, St John’s, Savio and Holy Name, offered some memories.

Guido Minnucci - As a first year Matric student I was walking from the common room at St Johns to Holy Name school and saw it on TV as it was happening. The room was full of Matric students.

Jan Dunsby - I was in Year 2 and we watched it on TV. We all had to then write a story about it and the best ones were written up in a special book that was taken around other classrooms. Mine was one of the stories to make the showcase book!

Melinda Lawson - The nuns wheeled the TV into the classroom for what I remember the first time ever. It was one of the demountable classrooms. Black and white TV. Quite the treat!

Margaret Ross - Historic moment! I was thrilled by the landing as it happened on my 10th birthday in Australia and I remember looking up and thinking “anything is possible.” I have been inspired by that moment ever since.

Carol Laskey - I think Year 9, at Holy Name. We watched a TV crowded together in a classroom. My recollection was it was afternoon.

Peter Turner - Think it was Year 5, Savio Primary in Bowden St. I remember they wheeled the black & white tele into the classroom on a stand and we all gathered to watch it.

Kathy Spencer - I was in Year 10 at Holy Name. TV was on all day waiting for the moment. Classes were sporadic.

Theresa Greene - I’m pretty sure as a Year 5 student at St John’s Primary we watched it in the TV room at the convent. Our classroom was a “mussett hut” with steps up to it and no TV. But we loved going to watch ‘Behind the News’ and other programs in the TV room at the convent.

Libby Delany - I was 9 years old and remember going to the Year 5 demountable demo table at St Johns to watch on the black and white TV.

Juniper Berry - I was in Prep and I remember Sr Mary Francis walking us to another class room with big kids to watch it. I was mesmerized!

Thank you to all our old scholars for sharing these memories. Students, ask your parents and grandparents what they remember!