It’s All in the Family - Smithson/Howlett Family
The connection between the Smithson and Howlett families started at St Vincent’s College, covering three generations and reflecting a deep and enduring bond with the school community.
Patricia “Muffy” Smithson (née Williams) of Watsons Bay began her journey at Vinnies in Year 7 as a member of the Class of 1972. An active and engaged student, Muffy served as House Captain of Carmel House. One of her favourite memories from her school days—later shared with both her daughter and granddaughter—was the excitement of jumping the fence with friends to watch The Beatles from the balcony of the nearby Maclay Hotel.
After graduating, Muffy went on to study nursing at St Vincent’s Hospital. In 1982 she and her husband Paul relocated to Wagga Wagga, where they built their family and community life. When it came time for their only daughter, Jodie Smithson (Class of 2001), to begin secondary school, they chose to send her to Vinnies as a boarder in Year 7. It was during her time in boarding that Jodie formed a friendship with fellow boarder Vanessa Howlett who later went on to marry her brother James forming the bond between the two families.
During Jodie’s time at the college, Muffy and Paul Smithson became dedicated supporters of the school community. Over six years they contributed significantly as College Parents, serving on the School Board and the Boarding Parents and Friends Association. Through their family car business, they also arranged for the donation of a new school bus, leaving a lasting legacy for the college.
Jodie is now living in Northbridge with three little children, Paige, Leo and Ted, keeping her very busy and enjoys Muffy coming to stay for a month here and there in between her trips from Wagga to Queensland
Vanessa ( Class of 2021) was the fourth of the Howlett sisters to attend Vinnies as a boarder. She followed in the footsteps of Alicia (Class of 1995), Christina ( Tina) (Class of 1996), and Genevieve (Class of 1998). The Howlett girls were deeply involved in both the sporting and academic life of the college, earning places in first teams for hockey, softball, and basketball, while also receiving academic awards in geography, science, and mathematics. Alicia was named Dux of her year.
Alicia is now living in Canberra and working in law and enjoying her golf. Tina is also in Canberra working in Health Management with her three teenage kids keeping her busy. She catches up with her Vinnies girls each year.
Genevieve and Vanessa are both living in Wagga. Genevieve has three younger kids and Vanessa works in Health management.
Today, the family connection continues with the third generation. Olivia Smithson, daughter of Vanessa Howlett and Muffy’s son, James Smithson. She is currently a boarder at Vinnies, having commenced in Year 7 as part of the Class of 2029. Like her Aunty before her, Olivia boards from Wagga Wagga.
Boarding life at Vinnies has evolved since the late 1990s. While the number of boarders is now smaller, this has created a close-knit environment where students form strong connections across year levels. For Olivia, this has meant a sense of belonging within a supportive and welcoming boarding family. With the addition of Scout in 2025 and continued commitment to boarding life, the future of Vinnies boarding looks bright.