1998

14th October 1998
"Founding Sisters" Return for Opening of Parish and School Centre
This Friday morning (16 October) Newcastle Parish Priest, Fr Peter Brock will bless and officially open new facilities for the Holy Family Parish and School community.

Until recently the building was a Convent for the Sisters of St Joseph, but now the refurbished building will become a shared resource for the parish and school community, providing a school administration block and parish meeting rooms.

Acknowledging the 46 year presence of the Sisters of St Joseph in the Merewether Beach community the three Sisters who founded the Convent and Primary School will return for the celebrations.

The three Sisters include Sr Mary Jackson (formerly Sr Mary Thomas), Sr Ursula Kauter (Sr Mary de Paul) and Sr Patricia Hayes (Sr Mary Hilda).

As part of the celebrations a mural has been created to trace the school's history. Designed and sketched by Annette Glennie (grandparent of one of the children) school students have also assisted in the painting of the mural. The mural includes pictures of the original Sisters.

According to John Wakely, Principal of Holy Family Primary School: "The availability of more space in the school complex is wonderful. But this event is also a great opportunity for the children to appreciate the missionary zeal that the early Sisters had and become aware of the journey that the school has taken since its beginnings."

Friday's opening ceremony will begin with a Mass at 10:15am celebrated by Fr Peter Brock followed by morning tea and an opportunity for the Sisters to meet the school's present students.

The school's staff, students and their families will join with parishioners and Sisters of the Josephite Community for the celebrations.

Holy Family Primary School is located at 19 Janet Street Merewether Beach.

NB Photo opportunity with "founding Sisters" in front of mural depicting school history.

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