Celebrations commemorating 50 years of Josephite education at St Joseph’s school in Wyndham, in the Diocese of Broome, were enhanced with raw emotion on 8 August 2014 as numerous elders expressed a deep sense of affection towards their teachers.
The anniversary was inaugurated by Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders, who celebrated Mass at the school with past and present students.
Representatives from the Diocese of Broome said that music and prayer throughout the Mass and the entertainment of guests in an afternoon concert reflected a school and community tradition that has remained vibrant and enthusiastic.
Past principals and staff members as well as pastoral workers travelled across the country in order to renew relationships and revisit a school to which they contributed on a professional and religious level.
Some 15 Josephite Sisters also gathered to be with the small community at St Joseph’s Wyndham for the occasion.
The parent body, staff, students and wider community went to great lengths to show their appreciation for the legacy they now lovingly and generously carry forward.
The afternoon concert also saw the students of the school re-enact the Bishop asking the Sisters to come to Wyndham, the first Sister’s plane flight from Perth, and the first few years of school.
To finish the concert, each class sang a song before the entire school was encouraged to sing a concluding Blessing song together.
This was followed by a sharing session where three past students shared memories of their early days, and their fondness for the Sisters.
Some spoke of a deep sense of gratitude towards their mentors, emphasising that they felt “the Sisters cared about us” – a moving and emotional gesture to which the Sisters responded with some encouraging words for the students and their families.
Photos on display also brought back many memories for the families and visiting Josephite Sisters.
Article and photos courtesy Kimberley Community Profile