By Glynnis Grainger
SACRED Heart Primary School, Highgate, the oldest Catholic primary school in Perth, continues its partnership with Shanti Sadan Mission School, Central India.
Last year, the school was invited by Sr Catherine Brabender, the director of Our Lady of the Missions Mission Office, to form a partnership with the Indian school.
The Sacred Heart school community was encouraged to become involved and the staff enthusiastically came up with fundraising activities to be carried out over the four school terms.
Buddy classes collaborated and cooperated to run successful cake stalls, a ‘Biscuits and More’ morning tea and a Games Day, where the children in Year Three created the games and ran the lunchtime session that was enjoyed by the rest of the classes.
Physical Education teacher Mrs Stephanie Alderman ran a ‘Guess the Jellybeans in the Jar’ competition and some Year Four children, with their parents’ permission and supervision, organised and sold muffins in their neighbourhood over a weekend. All money raised was sent to the Shanti Sadan Mission School and helped it purchase a number of desks and chairs for its students, who previously were writing on their laps.
They also began writing letters to each other and are learning about each other’s country and culture.
Last July, Sacred Heart Highgate received a visit from Sr Catherine, who spoke to the children about the Indian school and showed pictures, raising awareness of the needs of others and the benefits of sharing.
Sacred Heart Highgate was opened by five Sisters from the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions on 25 October 1897, and the RNDM Sisters were present at the school for nearly 100 years.
For many years, the school’s choirs, prepared by choirmistress and music teacher Mrs Frances Ammoscato have visited the Margaret Hubery Village, Shelley to sing for and spend time with the retired Sisters and other residents.
The Sisters are present at Sacred Heart Highgate for various celebrations, such as Sacred Heart feast day and the opening and blessing of new buildings.
Under the guidance of Euphrasie Barbier, the Sisters were founded to be an international mission congregation and, on Christmas Day, 2011, the Order will celebrate 150 years since foundation.