College dedicates school buildings

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College dedicates school buildings

ONE of the highlights of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College’s 30th anniversary celebrations over the weekend was the dedication and official naming of two school buildings.

At Sunday’s Mass former parish priest and former president of canonical administrators, Father Peter Kooloos dedicated Pioneer Hall, formerly known as the multi-purpose hall, in memory of all those with involvement in the college’s formation 30 years ago.

There is also now a large honour board hanging in Pioneer Hall with the names of those who had a part in the establishment of the college including first families, people who worked on the steering committee, staff and students.

Another special offering at Mass was the first performance of a new Mary MacKillop song; Walk me in your Pathways, written by the school’s music department staff.

“It was sung by the college choir; a beautiful song which brings tears to the eyes,” college principal David Leslie said.

The commemorative song picks up on a number of significant sayings of Mary MacKillop herself.

“The Mass was the first public performance of the song which will become one of the most popular songs about Mary MacKillop.”

Current parish priest Father Aju Varghese dedicated the chapel which from now will be known as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop chapel.

A commemorative tree, a Norfolk pine, was blessed and planted on the school grounds on Sunday alongside a plaque recognising the three school principals of the college spanning those 30 years; founding principal Ed Carmody, Michael Delaney and current principal David Leslie.

“I am very proud to have stood by my two predecessors in honour of their work; my role now is to build on the great foundation they have made for this school,” Mr Leslie said.

Following the ceremonies a barbecue lunch was enjoyed by all guests who were then able to wander about the school to witness the annual college expo which showcased students work from across all faculties, activities and performances.

Amongst activities was a performance of clowns and circus activities by members of the drama department, a display of old photos and the sales of Mary MacKillop callistemons in seedlings, or small or large pots.

Estimates put Sunday’s attendance beyond 500.

The previous evening, at Wonthaggi Workmens Club, a reunion dinner was enjoyed by more than 160 people, sharing great stories going back to the first years of the college.

Many of the original class of 1986 joined up for the dinner. Bishop Patrick O’Reagan attended on Saturday night in Wonthaggi.

“The weekend was a great opportunity to gather and confirm a lot of information to pass those years, especially in the early days,” Mr Leslie said.

“The entire staff was here for most of the weekend. I am so appreciative and have never been more proud of the staff than I was on Sunday. Their blood deserves bottling.”

“I really thank the entire community for their fantastic support of our school throughout the 30 years.”

 

Grow tall: a special tree was planted for the Mary MacKillop College 30th anniversary on Sunday, which involved the school’s three principals, Ed Carmody, David Leslie and Michael Delaney.

Grow tall: a special tree was planted for the Mary MacKillop College 30th anniversary on Sunday, which involved the school’s three principals, Ed Carmody, David Leslie and Michael Delaney.

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Posted by on Oct 25 2016. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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