Emily (Cissie) Vardy

1892

Earliest recorded boarder at St Patrick’s Convent/College

While boarding at the College, Emily wrote letters to her family that offer a rare and vivid glimpse into student life and the subjects studied during this era.

Two original letters from 1892 are treasured pieces in the St Patrick’s College Archives, preserving the voice of a young girl’s experience more than a century ago and connecting us to the school’s earliest days.

After enquiring about the health and wellbeing of her family and friends, Emily writes, “I am getting on so nicely with my music. I think I told you that I have learnt the Palermo Quadrilles, Bonnie Dundee Quadrilles and am learning a pretty piece called Silvery Waves.”