ST CANICE'S - A PRELUDE TO CLAIRVAUX AND ST BERNARD'S Many of the Old Boys started school at St Canice's. Some started in the old wooden building and some in the newer brick building. The first classes for St Bernard's were run from St Canice's in 1941 until the school opened. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND A HOPALONG CASSIDY SIX SHOOTER PISTOL - Contributor Ron Clark (ex-student and Old Boy) The First Holy Communion Group of 1952 (Boys & Girls) at St. Canice's Primary School in Katoomba were in for an unexpected surprise. Michael West, one of our group, was dressed conservatively for his First Holy Communion, but when we assembled at "The Breakfast" (sadly, no longer a tradition) Michael was sporting a Hopalong Cassidy Six Shooter, complete with Pearl Handle, and rotating cartridge assembly and ornate Belt & Holster. A totally impressive piece of "Hoppy"equipment. All the other boys were envious. Absolutely green. Perhaps some of the girls were too? Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd) was the most famous American Cowboy personality of this period. His name became an early indicator of merchandising clout. Michael was the "stand alone". Immensely proud of his gift. All the other boys had Holy Cards, Missals, Prayer Books, Rosary Beads etc. There was only one six shooter in the room! I think that Michael's Mum was the gift giver as she enthusiastically accepted our admiration and thoroughly enjoyed herself, from memory. I am sure that the Sisters of Charity at St. Canice's would have acted on the removal of the gun, but realized that combating Michael's Mum would have been too great a challenge! The De La Salle Brothers let it ride. An indelible memory. THE ORIGINAL ST BERNARD'S - Contributor Dusan Joe Tulinsky (ex-student and original Old Boy) I was enrolled in SBC in 1941 by Br Alban who came knocking on my parents door and performed the required paperwork. Br Alban was a tireless recruiter canvassing the Blue Mountains area for students. Students were taught in St Canice’s School while building progressed on the college. Approximately eleven boarders were housed in a cottage at Merriwa Street and were frequently visited by day students to participate in board and card games. A RELUCTANT STUDENT - Contributor John Egan (ex-student and Old Boy) I was born in the middle of June 1935. I started Kindergarten in possibly 1941? in the Old Church Hall. Mother took me up on the first morning – I came home for lunch – and wouldn’t go back! I eventually did primary at St Canice's with Sister “Nancy”, Brother Eunan and Brother Dermott. I then went to St Bernard’s College from 1948 -1952. AS GAME AS NED KELLY - Contributor Ron Clark (ex-student and Old Boy) Pat Parsons was a wonderful character at St. Canice’s from around 1952, onwards, from memory. In 1952, Pat would have been about 8 years old. Pat’s specialty was reciting: As Game As Ned Kelly. I Can still hear him : As game as Ned Kelly, the people would say; As game as Ned Kelly, they say it today. He recited all the poem from memory, no notes. He just delivered. We loved it. We were all so impressed with Pat’s natural talent, his confidence, and his rousing rendition. A wonderful memory.