This photograph captures a festive moment from the 1990 Jacana Primary School Christmas picnic, believed to be held at Greenvale Reservoir Park, a popular recreational area located north of Melbourne. The image features Father Christmas (Santa Claus) interacting with children during the school’s annual end-of-year celebration.This photograph is a culturally and historically significant artifact that captures a cherished moment from the 1990 Jacana Primary School Christmas picnic, believed to held at Greenvale Reservoir, a popular community gathering space in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image features Father Christmas engaging with students in a festive outdoor setting, symbolising the school’s commitment to creating joyful, inclusive experiences for its children. The picnic was a highlight of the school calendar, offering students a day of celebration, connection, and community spirit beyond the classroom.Photograph on glossy paper of Father Christmas with children in the park.PH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, jacana, father christmas

The photograph was taken during the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations at Rousano, Exoghi on the island of Ithaca in 1947. The religious observance of Easter is very important events in the Greek Orthodox calendar and takes precedence over the Christmas observances. Easter Sunday is a day of celebration when the fast is broken and traditionally families come together to enjoy roast lamb usually on the spit.A black and white photograph of people gathered around a picnic in a rural setting. There are trees in the background and mountains in the distance. The photograph is one of a pair and has been backed onto cream board and laminated. A narrow typed label has been stuck across the bottom of the picture. Translated from the Greek: Easter at Rousano, Exoghi 1947. Photograph archives: Stathi Raftopoulos.

Contains relevant images from Eltham and surrounds taken during the mid 1970s. Subjects include Peter Garner and his mudbrick studio in Brougham Street, Brougham Street Bridge, Eltham High School surrounds, Dalton Street lane and footbridge (present-day Wingrove Park Trail), Fabbro's farm and Christmas Hills Festival c.1976brougham street bridge, christmas hills festival, dalton street lane, david taylor collection, eltham high school, fabbro's farm, peter garner, peter garner adobe studio, wingrove park trail

John Sands were the first stationers established in Australia c. 1837 and by the 1920s were producing a range of greeting cards and bookmarks.John Sands were the first stationers established in Australia c.1837 and by the time of the Great War the firm was producing a range of greeting cards as bookmarks for Birthdays, Christmas and Mothers Day such as these examples. john sands, mothers day greetings, bookmarks

Postcards quick communication of the day for family & friends. C 1900s . Example of greetings, Christmas greeting etcExample of C 1900's postcards - printed in Britain,Collection of C 1900's postcards, written, sent, various production methods, some embossed.Various

THE DOLL HOUSE _ Yvonne Fitzmaurice The ten room fully furnished American farmhouse was created from an idea by former Mitcham resident, Yvonne Fitzmaurice and was constructed between 1976 and 1978 as a birthday present for her daughter, Susan. The house is a unique interpretation of early American architecture and inferior design. It is also a representation of one woman's ability to create and complete a details snapshot of a lifestyle long gone and give pleasure to family, friends and now the community. Yvonne has had an interesting and full life, born in New Zealand where was a State Registered Nurse and she specialised in hospital theatre work. Later her curiosity bought her to Australia where she worked at the Sydney hospital and with the Australia Flying Doctors service flying in and out of Wilcannia, western New South Wales. On returning to New Zealand Yvonne acted as part of a Medical cover team for the different armed services. one session in the Nary involved pursuing submarines which she described as being very exciting. In 1958 she travelled by sea through the Suez Canal to England and as a member of British Services served in the post WWII Germany for three year in the QARANC and also worked at The London Clinic with some high-profile specialists. Yvonne was introduced to her husband-to-be at a tennis party and they lived in Cambridge, UK, where their two children, Alastair and Susan, were born. On coming to Australia in 1965 as "£10 poms" (Yvonne's words) she worked in casualty at the Box Hill hospital. Initially the family lived at Blackburn South before moving to Mitcham in 1968. To help establish a new life with her family in Australia, Yvonne worked in many different positions from nursing, machine knitting for a Prahran shop, making Christmas Cards and as a commercial traveller. As a hobby she also sold a number of pastel paintings. Following the publishing of her first family history in 1994, Yvonne became a member and volunteer at the Whitehorse Historical Society where she has contributed in producing local history publication, articles for the Newsletter and has improved access to the files by creating the detailed "green files". Her interests include art, crafts and writing. Yvonne has a great philosophy, 'each day I must achieve something - no matter how small'.Hand-made child's doll's house. Built by Mrs Yvonne Fitzmaurice and finished in 1979. This house was built as a 1:12 scale and is a model of a Californian house called Peppercorn farm. House was built by Yvonne and her family and took a period of three years. A lot of the furniture is handmade and the rest is collected from various shops. "Susan Fitzmaurice" name on front of building. Date on plaque on top of front wall.na5059, na5061, na5063, na5065, na5068, na5071, na5073, na5075, na5077, na5079, na5081, na5083

This photograph, taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, captures a relaxed and festive moment believed to have occurred at Greenvale Reservoir, a popular recreational destination in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows a group of children seated on the grass, engaging with a person dressed as Santa Claus, who is standing and interacting warmly with them. Balloons and a natural backdrop of trees contribute to the cheerful, outdoor atmosphere. The event reflects the community spirit and traditions of the time, where schools often organised end-of-year gatherings to celebrate the holiday season. Greenvale Reservoir, known for its open spaces and family-friendly environment, served as an ideal location for such festivities. This photograph offers a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s, highlighting the importance of communal celebration and childhood joy.This photograph holds cultural and historical value as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir, a cherished recreational site in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It captures a moment of community celebration, showcasing the traditions of Australian public schools in the late 20th century, where end-of-year gatherings fostered social bonds among students, families, and staff. The presence of Santa Claus engaging with children in an informal outdoor setting reflects the blending of festive customs with local recreational culture. The image is significant not only for its depiction of childhood joy and seasonal festivity but also for its connection to the broader social history of Melbourne’s suburban communities. It offers insight into the ways schools and families utilised public spaces to create meaningful shared experiences, contributing to the collective memory of the area. As a document of place, time, and tradition, this photograph is a valuable artifact for understanding the lived experiences of school communities and the role of public spaces in fostering social cohesion.Colour photograph on glossy paper in portrait format.PH18289 (crossed out) PH4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana, jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, father christmas