Written by Samantha Brown (Year 9), including an interview with Mrs. Russell
Memories, the sepia-toned photo book in the back of your mind constantly updating with every breath you take. Even with the split second it takes to make them, there are still various types of memories. This could be declarative, something you have consciously experienced or nondeclarative where your body remembers skills/muscle memory. The memory focused on now is declarative, the cycle of photos that get turned around in your mind over and over.
These memories are like the gold miners’ pan, filled with what is thought to be only dirt yet is speckled with underlying treasures that, once found, will bring immense contentment to its owner. These memories need to be preserved so that we feel the same contentment as the gold panner. That treasure filled-in with the rest of our memories – just waiting to be remembered. Though it is hard to keep the pan clean and to make sure the gold does not get manipulated by its surroundings, we must try to capture these moments so that we have a reference to go by when cleaning off the gold.
These memories are what can carve a mindset and one’s life, thus needing to be in the mind gallery. Even if it is a dark memory or the defining thought of an individual’s childhood, it still needs to be remembered. A keepsake of the time so we have the knowledge to further develop. Although it is not always up to the beholder to forget these, leaving the question, can we forget what has truly hurt us? Can we truly let go?
The solo violin or the full orchestra of grief taunts the mind so thoroughly that some may never get out. Yet, the ones who start appreciating the band are the ones able to escape the torture some may believe grief is. Though they are not still in this grief, and everything is thought to be left behind, that love still persists. The love of a past relative, the love of a childhood dream, the love surged from a heartbreaking book. This love that may have caused grief still stays after the orchestra has packed up and gone, leaving the hall to be filled with something new.
The multitudes of halls all keep certain memories in the spotlight including those unwanted. That is why I have asked some people all over the college what memories are under the beating spotlight. I asked the questions; What is your favourite memory? What is a memory you wish you could not remember? What memory of your friends do you love the most? And are there any other notable memories?
I firstly asked Mrs. Russell and these are her responses:
What is your favourite memory?
One of my favourite memories here at Broughton would be when the College went ‘purple,’ for the day. On the 3rd of September 2013, Broughton swapped its customary red, black and white for the royal colour of purple in support of a Year 7 student with Leukaemia. The student was diagnosed with cancer and to show support, students organised a fund-raising event fashioning the colour purple into all aspects — purple sausages, purple cupcakes and purple clothes — to raise funds. We made around 500 cupcakes and hundreds of purple sausages were consumed. What really stuck in my mind was the students’ support. There were students from junior school donating 50 dollars of their pocket money to raise money for those who are going through treatment. The event really showed the whole P – 12 community coming together and all the kids were involved, showing how much heart they have for their fellow students, and digging deep.
My heart was full on that day, and it has continued…
Mrs Russell and students at the 2013 Purple Day
Another favourite memory would be the World’s Greatest Shave 2022. Another wonderful community event and to see so many supporting the event is another reason being at Broughton is a blessing.
What is a memory you wish you could not remember?
A memory I wish to forget, well… from my time at Broughton, the many costumes that I have worn over my years here and the wigs!
I think another memory from my schooling when I went to school, I was on the Student Council for nearly five years, and there was always an assembly item where I had to dress up as something crazy. I remember one time I dressed up as a bin to promote recycling and the grounds keepers cut the bottom out of the yellow low bin and I was inside and talking to the assembly about recycling. I would certainly like to forget that as I was always known as the ‘talking bin lady.’
What memory of your friends do you love the most?
I came from a very small Christian School on the North Beaches and there were only 43 students in the Year 12 class when I left school. We were one tight knit grade because we all knew each other and what I loved the most was the support we gave each other and the inclusive friendships I had. The afternoon hangouts on the basketball courts just chatting, and the many excursions that saw us venturing into the city, friends made school fun and enjoyable because we all took the journey together as one group.
If I compare my friendships in high school which saw me shopping, going to the movies and spending time down at the beach after school, to my friendships now, I am blessed to have not only friendships from my university days, past employment, but also from my time at Broughton.
I have been at two schools before I came to Broughton and I have now been here for fifteen years and I can honestly say, I have formed strong, Christian friendships with many people and feel blessed that God has led me here to form these friendships that will last a long time. Broughton is a place to build those firm, strong, long-lasting connections with people, no matter what your age or position, all under the foundation of God’s Love and guidance.
Do you have any other notable memories?
A notable memory from Broughton is Mrs. Kennedy also having a good dance at the school socials. She is always one to ‘bust a move on the dance floor.’ Or Mr. Gillion and his ‘smooth,’ moves on the dance floor… and his ability to make any topic into the words of a song!! He loves to ‘belt out,’ a good song or two in the quad and don’t forget the traditional ‘Nutbush,’ dance by Mrs. Kennedy and Mr. O’Connor at the Year 12 Formals. It is a must for them both to get out there and it’s not going to be the same for me without it now that Mr O’Connor has retired.
These are only some of the amazing memories one can have and these are why we need to preserve our own galleries.
…
Next up is one of the main illustrators for The Bell, Addison Possamai, who is a student in Year 10.
What is your favourite memory?
One of my favourite memories is when it was my birthday, and my mum would make me a cake and I would be able to see the rest of my family.
What is a memory you wish you could not remember?
Anything I did that brought unwanted attention towards me or just something I find embarrassing now.
What memory of your friends do you love the most?
One of my favourite memories with a friend was that we were playing a game together online at night.
Any other notable memories?
Some would be coming back home after traveling, going to the beach and doing stuff outside home with some friends.
…
Then I asked the rest of the Editorial team for The Bell, I received many different answers.
For the question, “What is your favourite memory?” some answers were centred on family, travelling to see family or celebrations.
For some of the negative memories there was bullying, loss of pets and disloyal friends.
Some other memories included big surprises such as school acceptance and new siblings.
These memories have all defined these people. Whether it is in the way they act or their outlook on life, they have been carved into these people.
Small ridges or large cuts, they all need to be preserved.
Written by Samantha Brown (Year 9), including an interview with Mrs. Russell
Memories, the sepia-toned photo book in the back of your mind constantly updating with every breath you take. Even with the split second it takes to make them, there are still various types of memories. This could be declarative, something you have consciously experienced or nondeclarative where your body remembers skills/muscle memory. The memory focused on now is declarative, the cycle of photos that get turned around in your mind over and over.
These memories are like the gold miners’ pan, filled with what is thought to be only dirt yet is speckled with underlying treasures that, once found, will bring immense contentment to its owner. These memories need to be preserved so that we feel the same contentment as the gold panner. That treasure filled-in with the rest of our memories – just waiting to be remembered. Though it is hard to keep the pan clean and to make sure the gold does not get manipulated by its surroundings, we must try to capture these moments so that we have a reference to go by when cleaning off the gold.
These memories are what can carve a mindset and one’s life, thus needing to be in the mind gallery. Even if it is a dark memory or the defining thought of an individual’s childhood, it still needs to be remembered. A keepsake of the time so we have the knowledge to further develop. Although it is not always up to the beholder to forget these, leaving the question, can we forget what has truly hurt us? Can we truly let go?
The solo violin or the full orchestra of grief taunts the mind so thoroughly that some may never get out. Yet, the ones who start appreciating the band are the ones able to escape the torture some may believe grief is. Though they are not still in this grief, and everything is thought to be left behind, that love still persists. The love of a past relative, the love of a childhood dream, the love surged from a heartbreaking book. This love that may have caused grief still stays after the orchestra has packed up and gone, leaving the hall to be filled with something new.
The multitudes of halls all keep certain memories in the spotlight including those unwanted. That is why I have asked some people all over the college what memories are under the beating spotlight. I asked the questions; What is your favourite memory? What is a memory you wish you could not remember? What memory of your friends do you love the most? And are there any other notable memories?
I firstly asked Mrs. Russell and these are her responses:
What is your favourite memory?
One of my favourite memories here at Broughton would be when the College went ‘purple,’ for the day. On the 3rd of September 2013, Broughton swapped its customary red, black and white for the royal colour of purple in support of a Year 7 student with Leukaemia. The student was diagnosed with cancer and to show support, students organised a fund-raising event fashioning the colour purple into all aspects — purple sausages, purple cupcakes and purple clothes — to raise funds. We made around 500 cupcakes and hundreds of purple sausages were consumed. What really stuck in my mind was the students’ support. There were students from junior school donating 50 dollars of their pocket money to raise money for those who are going through treatment. The event really showed the whole P – 12 community coming together and all the kids were involved, showing how much heart they have for their fellow students, and digging deep.
My heart was full on that day, and it has continued…
Another favourite memory would be the World’s Greatest Shave 2022. Another wonderful community event and to see so many supporting the event is another reason being at Broughton is a blessing.
What is a memory you wish you could not remember?
A memory I wish to forget, well… from my time at Broughton, the many costumes that I have worn over my years here and the wigs!
I think another memory from my schooling when I went to school, I was on the Student Council for nearly five years, and there was always an assembly item where I had to dress up as something crazy. I remember one time I dressed up as a bin to promote recycling and the grounds keepers cut the bottom out of the yellow low bin and I was inside and talking to the assembly about recycling. I would certainly like to forget that as I was always known as the ‘talking bin lady.’
What memory of your friends do you love the most?
I came from a very small Christian School on the North Beaches and there were only 43 students in the Year 12 class when I left school. We were one tight knit grade because we all knew each other and what I loved the most was the support we gave each other and the inclusive friendships I had. The afternoon hangouts on the basketball courts just chatting, and the many excursions that saw us venturing into the city, friends made school fun and enjoyable because we all took the journey together as one group.
If I compare my friendships in high school which saw me shopping, going to the movies and spending time down at the beach after school, to my friendships now, I am blessed to have not only friendships from my university days, past employment, but also from my time at Broughton.
I have been at two schools before I came to Broughton and I have now been here for fifteen years and I can honestly say, I have formed strong, Christian friendships with many people and feel blessed that God has led me here to form these friendships that will last a long time. Broughton is a place to build those firm, strong, long-lasting connections with people, no matter what your age or position, all under the foundation of God’s Love and guidance.
Do you have any other notable memories?
A notable memory from Broughton is Mrs. Kennedy also having a good dance at the school socials. She is always one to ‘bust a move on the dance floor.’ Or Mr. Gillion and his ‘smooth,’ moves on the dance floor… and his ability to make any topic into the words of a song!! He loves to ‘belt out,’ a good song or two in the quad and don’t forget the traditional ‘Nutbush,’ dance by Mrs. Kennedy and Mr. O’Connor at the Year 12 Formals. It is a must for them both to get out there and it’s not going to be the same for me without it now that Mr O’Connor has retired.
These are only some of the amazing memories one can have and these are why we need to preserve our own galleries.
…
Next up is one of the main illustrators for The Bell, Addison Possamai, who is a student in Year 10.
What is your favourite memory?
One of my favourite memories is when it was my birthday, and my mum would make me a cake and I would be able to see the rest of my family.
What is a memory you wish you could not remember?
Anything I did that brought unwanted attention towards me or just something I find embarrassing now.
What memory of your friends do you love the most?
One of my favourite memories with a friend was that we were playing a game together online at night.
Any other notable memories?
Some would be coming back home after traveling, going to the beach and doing stuff outside home with some friends.
…
Then I asked the rest of the Editorial team for The Bell, I received many different answers.
For the question, “What is your favourite memory?” some answers were centred on family, travelling to see family or celebrations.
For some of the negative memories there was bullying, loss of pets and disloyal friends.
Some other memories included big surprises such as school acceptance and new siblings.
These memories have all defined these people. Whether it is in the way they act or their outlook on life, they have been carved into these people.
Small ridges or large cuts, they all need to be preserved.
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