Uncovering a forgotten Korowa moment
Some stories return when we least expect them. This one returned in our 135th year. An archival photograph of two Korowa students, once quietly stored in our archives, resurfaced when, as part of our 135th anniversary celebrations we set out to decorate the water tank at our Ranfurlie Crescent entrance with photographs from various decades of Korowa’s history. The image felt familiar and full of life: two students sharing lunch, sunlight, and an unguarded moment of joy.
From advertisement to archive: the story behind the image
Later in the year, at a Korowa Connections event, the Korovian in the photograph, Susan-Gaye Anderson (Class of 1955), recognised herself and her sister, Babara Maclean (Anderson, Class of 1949). That moment changed everything. The photograph was no longer anonymous, no longer just part of our visual history. It had a name, a voice, a memory attached to it. At her 70-year Platinum Jubilee Reunion, Susan-Gaye shared the full story. The photograph had originally been taken in the 1940s for an advertisement for Akta-Vite. Susan-Gaye and Helen’s father worked for the company that produced Akta-Vite. The company later contacted Korowa, gifting the photograph to the School because the two girls were proudly wearing our uniform. The image then became part of our archives, re-emerging decades later to inspire our students.
Year 7 artists bring a historic Korowa moment back to life
This year, our Year 7 cohort studied the photograph and created a collaborative artwork, now displayed in the Sandra Ivory Cafe. In bringing the image back to life, they unknowingly began a conversation across generations. When Susan-Gaye stood beside the finished piece at her recent reunion, the story came full circle. Memory met legacy. Past met present.
Legacy, memory and the power of connection at Korowa
We are deeply grateful to Susan-Gaye for sharing the story behind this photograph, and for continuing to return to the place where her educational journey began. Her presence reminds us that our history is not static. It lives in memory, conversation and connection, carried forward by every student who has walked through Korowa.
