By Theresia Titus
Saint John’s School in Rangeway, Geraldton, has last weekend celebrated its golden jubilee in a two-day event from 25 to 26 October.
The event started with a welcome to country, followed by a Mass with principal celebrant Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey, with concelebrants FatherS Robert Cross and Larry Rodillas, and Deacon (Peter) Tam Duong assisting.
In his homily, Bishop Morrissey discussed the Gospel of Mark in relation to the school’s motto: “Sinite Parvulos”, which is Latin for “Let the little children”.
Bishop Morrissey spoke about how St John’s School has always been about putting the children first, as well as the challenges Sister Raphael Quirke as Foundation Principal and Monsignor John Barden had to face but were able to overcome with the support and work of the community, letting the school be able to grow and develop.
Bishop Morrissey also highlighted the strong connection that St John’s School has always had with the Aboriginal community and that it was wonderful to see the local Wajarri language in newly unveiled St John’s School prayer.
Students from Years One to Six attended the Mass, along with other 90 guests, who then greeted with a morning tea.
The first day of celebration continued with an open school for the guests, with the students presented, as well as faction games for the students after lunch.
The guests had the opportunity to visit each classroom which was decorated by the current students, following an era of the school as themed, displaying memorabilia, photos, artworks, and interviews with staff members from the assigned era.
The second day of celebration, which saw more than 350 guests involved cutting of the cake, congratulating a staff member, Mr Patrick Matthews, who has been of service for 35 years, blessings of a 50-Year mosaic mural, painted mural at Kindergarten/Pre-Primary playground, 50 year artwork for the school office, a large cross as well as a frame that were made by two former students of St John’s School and natural rosary beads.
The joy of the celebration was concluded with a dinner “to socialise, reminisce and walk down memory lane”.
Among the guests were Catholic Education of WA (CEWA) Deputy Executive Director & Director Catholic Identity Peter Yensch and representatives from the Presentations Sisters, including Sr Flora, Sr Frances and Sr Goretti.
Melissa Marquis, who became School Principal in April 2019 and who is a former Assistant Principal – Religious Education at St John’s School from 2011 to 2014, said the celebration is “an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate all that has been achieved by St John’s School over the past 50 years”.
“The purpose of the celebration is to acknowledge how the school has grown from a library which housed two classrooms, which also became the Church on Sunday, to a school that has eleven classrooms, a School Hall and extensive outdoor play areas,” Mrs Marquis said.
“It is to recognise the growth of student population from 30 to just under 200, reminisce about the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future.
“It is also to celebrate the tradition and community associated with St John’s School, as well as recognising the important connection St John’s School has with the Aboriginal people,” she continued.
With 191 students enrolled and 14 teaching staff members, Mrs Marquis hoped the school would continue to develop relationships with the greater community, creating a culture of family, in addition to cultivating Christian Service Learning initiatives and Gifted and Talented Programmes in the school.
“We are a community and family at St John’s School, and this is what the school is well-known for due to the size, the mission of the School, the importance and integration of the School’s motto, ‘Sinite Parvulos’ that means ‘Let the little children’, across all facets of school life,” she explained.
Emphasising on the school’s motto, Mrs Marquis mentioned that “each child is an individual who is known by all staff, they are not just another face or number”.
“We provide extensive pastoral care to the students to ensure that their needs are met and that they do feel safe so that learning can transpire,” she said
“When I am working with the students, I let them know that my role as the Principal is to ensure that they feel safe and happy.
“New students are welcomed with a buddy to assist during the first few days at the school,” she continued
Aboriginal Teacher Assistants and “Student Voice Letterbox” are also used to provide support and pastoral care where necessary, as well as providing a medium for students to express their ideas and concerns.
“We are continuing to implement and upskill the School Community in relation to CEWA’s Child Safe Framework.
“We have Buddy Classes (Year Six and Year One, Year Five and Pre Primary) to provide the younger students with an older buddy for support, assistance and guidance,” Mrs Marquis concluded.