By Theresia Titus
Four decades after opening its doors for the first time, Saint Jude’s Catholic Primary School continues to welcome and embrace children of different backgrounds into its diverse community.
As a part of its 40th anniversary – which began on 24 September with an open day, Edudance concert, as well as a sundowner for past staff members, students and families – St Jude’s CPS recently held an anniversary Mass, morning tea and time capsule ceremony on Monday 28 October.
Among the 100 guests was Fr Henry Byrne, “whose vision, dream and determination made the establishment of the school a reality”, Foundation Principal Sr Maura Kelleher RSM, along with first School Board Chairperson Bill Fahie, and first School Board Treasurer Sally Desmond, both of whom were steering committee members.
Catholic Education WA School Improvement Advisor Suzanne Fox, past school Principals Lyn Stone and Helen O’Toole, as well as Current Board Chair Larni Doherty also attended the event along with the past and current board and staff members, students and families.
In his homily, Lynwood/Langford Parish Priest Fr Terry Raj, spoke about the significant works of the school’s patron Saint Jude and the history of the school’s establishment, including the work carried out by Fr Bryne and his steering committee.
Fr Raj also spoke about “the importance of the excellent partnership that exists between our parish and school and how closely we work together throughout the year”.
Students from their respective class took part in the Mass processions, bringing items of special significance for the school, representing the past, present and future of the community.
Dr Robert Isaacs AM did the ‘Welcome to Country’ and spoke about his time in Lynwood/Langford Parish, including the education his daughters received at St Jude’s.
A time capsule ceremony was held following the morning tea, where every student and staff member, including Head Girl Ashley Laxina and Head Boy Keenan Almeida, contributed with messages to be revealed at the school’s golden jubilee in 10 years’ time.
During the time capsule commemoration, the school choir sang to begin and end the ceremony, with Year 4 students leading the guests in prayerful reflection with a liturgical movement to the music of “Taste and See”.
School Principal Jonnda Simpson, staff member and past student Jacquie Edwards, together with Ashley and Keenan, released a dove each to recognise the past, present and future hopes and dreams of the school community.
With a total of 216 students from pre-kindergarten to Year 6, and 29 staff members of whom 15 are teachers, Mrs Simpson emphasised that the celebration is an opportunity for the school to thank Fr Bryne, Sr Kelleher, Mr Fahie and Mrs Desmond as “their vision that has enabled us to be of service to the Lynwood/Langford community”.
“Our celebrations have provided us with a very special opportunity to remember all those who have contributed to our beautiful school throughout the past 40 years,” Mrs Simpson said.
“From those who gave us such wonderful beginnings, and because of those who are the change-makers of today, we can now look forward to an exciting future.
“The anniversary is an important day to remember and celebrate with all those who have contributed to our beautiful school; it is with great pride that we still recognise and honour this achievement,” she continued.
Mrs Simpson also mentioned that the school hopes to further offer “an excellent Catholic education, built upon the Mercy traditions of ‘compassion, excellence, hospitality, justice and respect’”.
“We are a compassionate and welcoming community, who seek to centre our learning in Christ and strive to provide every child with the opportunity to experience academic excellence as we affirm and nurture their unique gifts and talents,” she said.
“At St Jude’s CPS, we strive to live out our school motto ‘Always room for one more!’ as we welcome children from all over the world into our beautiful multicultural school.”
Mrs Simpson explained that putting Christ-centred learning first comes from the school’s aspiration to support the students in integrating faith, life and culture, in addition to incorporating the truths and values of the Gospel in ways that are educationally appropriate into their learning experience.
“Our school foundations were laid upon the teachings and model of Jesus and we align them with the Mercy values,” Mrs Simpson said.
“We strive to ensure that our focus on academic excellence is provided through the lens of our Catholic faith.
“Through our focus on Jesus, we help our students to accept people as they are, always treating them with kindness and respect as to how Jesus shows us to be inclusive and act with integrity and fairness,” she concluded.
The school’s 40th anniversary will conclude on Friday 1 November with the school’s annual Mission Market, where the money raised goes to Catholic Missions, shared lunch with the entire school community and St Jude’s CPS Got Talent show.