By Amanda Murthy
Students and staff of St Pius X Catholic Primary School in Manning welcomed their 2018 Archbishop LifeLink Spirit Award on Friday 15 November with a pledge to continue the good work of the Church through their “love in action” deeds.
Sharing this award with St Pius X was John XXIII College, who accepted their award from Chair of LifeLink and Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, who took the time to visit the school to personally congratulate the students on Friday 25 October at their school grounds.
Accompanying Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB was the recently appointed Director of the Archbishop’s Office Daniel Lynch, both who were seen engaging with staff and students throughout the ceremony, to learn about the LifeLink projects carried out by the school throughout the past year.
Humbled by the recognition, St Pius X Catholic Primary School Principal Daine Burnett explained that the acknowledgement given by the Archdiocese of Perth has further inspired the school community to continue their quest in their passion to do more in social justice.
“St Pius X has been focussing on our social justice and outreach programs over the past three to four years and looking at how we can support these collective groups as a school community,” Principal Burnett cited.
“This renewed focus has come from our school SEARCH values: Service, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationship Courage and Hope – and in particular Service and Hope.
“This has seen the staff, Catholic School Parents Western Australia (CSPWA), students and the school all volunteering and making substantial efforts to support those in need,” he added.
“We are truly thankful and humbled to receive this award and know that there are many Catholic schools that do a wonderful job is supporting those less fortunate than ourselves. We look forward to continuing this work in 2020 and beyond.”
Every year, the LifeLink award is presented in recognition for the fundraising efforts and promotion of the work of the 11 agencies supported by LifeLink.
These agencies include The Shopfront, Catholic Ministry for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Centacare Employment and Training, Centrecare Inc, Djooraminda, Emmanuel Centre, Emmaus Community, IdentityWA, Daydawn Advocacy Centre, Samaritan Projects, and Catholic Outreach.
Students Amelia, Charlotte and Lilly who represented the school at the official LifeLink Launch back in June along with Assistant Principal Mr Kim Hughes, came forward to acknowledge the award as they formally welcomed Archbishop Costelloe, and accepted the award on behalf of the St Pius X community.
St Pius X Catholic Primary School was founded in 1957 by the Sisters of St Joseph of The Sacred Heart, dedicated to girls and boys from Kindergarten to Year 6.
The school’s motto of “Faith and Friendship” is inspired by a need to celebrate the Catholic faith in the spirit of hope and in service to others.