This class photograph of the 1978 Higher School Certificate (HSC) cohort at Salesian College, Rupertswood, captures a defining moment in the educational journey of its senior students. Taken in the final year of their secondary schooling, the image reflects a time of transition, achievement, and anticipation as these young men prepared to step beyond the gates of Rupertswood and into the wider world. Set against the backdrop of the historic Rupertswood estate, the photograph is more than a record of faces—it is a snapshot of a community shaped by shared experiences, enduring friendships, and the values of the Salesian tradition. The students pictured here were part of a generation that embraced both academic challenge and personal growth, guided by the principles of faith, integrity, and service. As a historical artifact, this image offers future generations a glimpse into the life and spirit of the college in the late 1970s. It stands as a tribute to the legacy of Salesian education and the formative role it played in preparing students for life beyond school.This 1978 class photograph of the HSC cohort at Salesian College, Rupertswood, holds enduring historical and cultural value as a visual record of a pivotal moment in the lives of its students and the broader school community. Taken within the grounds of the historic Rupertswood estate, the image captures the final year of secondary education for a group of young men shaped by the Salesian tradition of holistic learning, spiritual growth, and community service. The photograph is significant not only for documenting the individuals who comprised the graduating class of 1978, but also for reflecting the values and spirit of the time. It represents a rite of passage—marking the transition from school life to adulthood—and embodies the camaraderie, resilience, and shared experiences that defined the Rupertswood journey. As a preserved artifact, this image contributes to the collective memory of the college. It offers future generations a tangible connection to the past, highlighting the enduring impact of Salesian education in preparing students to meet life’s challenges with integrity, compassion, and purpose.Colour photograph of HSC level students in a plastic wallet.salesian college, rupertswood, sunbury, hsc, 1978, philip donohue, vic lakey, berand graham, damien chrystie, kym stuart, tony scully, peter lowe, tony hill, geoff nation, chris butler, coridal mcguire, mark murrell, peter symons, tom quinn, bruce oswald, paul moody, michael taylor, brendon fallon, mick taylor, terry payne, mark whorlow, brian lynch., peter gallagher, michael fallon, joe harper, damien synott, michael mcconnell, peter summers, john torr, pat redman, robert dejong, russell dunon., rick dalbon, andy readman, liam leonard, steve millett, peter aggrawal, clinton welch, robert hughes, steve nash, brendan wilson., fr. t. jennings, john tesoriero

Opal (1914-2010) and husband Ken married in 1936 and moved to the new Quinn estate, Montmorency, in the mid 1930s. They ran various businesses and bought a farm in Butterman's Track, St Andrews. Ken was involved in local organisations and Opal was red Cross volunteer. Contents Typed notes: Sue Law, 10 November 2010, Address to Eltham District Historical Society about death of Opal Smith. Biographical details of Opal Smith and recent death. Typed notes: Russell J Smith (son of Opal Smith), 5 November 2010, Notes for celebrant at funeral of Opal Smith. Biographical details of Opal Smith and Montmorency in 1930s. Order of Service: Celebration of the life of Opal Smith, 8 November 2010, Le Pine Chapel, Eltham. Typed copy of a reading at service for Opal Smith: "I live on" (author unknown). Letter Sue Law to Russell Smith, 12 November 2010. Outlining her and friends' involvement with Opal Smith. Letter Russell Smith to Sue Law, 6 December 2010. Thanks for letter, providing requested material. Card Russell Smith to Sue Law, no date. Thanks from family. Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcopal smith, ken smith, quinn estate montmorency, ambulance station montmorency, grand boulevard montmorency, bolton street eltham, main road montmorency, montmorency primary school parents council, montmorency primary school, reichelt road montmorency, eltham cemetery, booth clibborn evangelical movement, laurie smith, len parker, brian smith, russell j smith, butterman's track st andrews, bev smith, brendan smith, rohan smith, marty smith, melanie smith, montmorency bowling club, nillumbik historical society, country women's association, pamela smith, matthew smith, miriam smith, alison smith, cox's orchards, mt pleasant road eltham, victory jam factory alphington, sue law, pat pearson, elsie mckenzie, eltham leisure centre, doll smith