Traditions and contemporary horizons

CATHOLIC primary schools at Inglewood and Pyramid Hill have a commitment to build a strong sense of community and the quality of collegial relationships.

St Mary’s and St Patrick’s schools are part of Catholic Education Sandhurst but strongly connected to their local communities.

Participation in community events is a key to the strong relationships the schools cherish in delivering education to today’s young people.

They believe that each person’s potential is fostered through the dedicated ministry of Catholic Education and are committed to leadership encompassing vision, innovation and empowerment.

Principals Stephen O’Shannessy at Inglewood and John O’Connor at Pyramid Hill say the small schools are giving students fine foundations in education and life.

“In the last week, our students have been part of ANZAC Day services and joined with the local Landcare network to start rehabilitation of an old mining area on the edge of town,” said Mr O’Shannessy.

“Our school has a wonderfully supportive community and our curriculum activities reflect those values in a Christian way.”

Mr O’Connor said Catholic education was about seeking new horizons while also respecting traditions.

“And we have a long tradition of being part of the Pyramid Hill community and often work together with our friends at Pyramid Hill College on special activities.

“Earlier this year that commitment of two schools to one community was seen when students celebrated St Patrick’s Day.”

The first school in Inglewood was run by the churches under the Denominational Board.

The second school established was Roman Catholic, also under the Denominational Board in a chapel near the present Town Hall. It was opened on September 20, 1860, and as at January 1862, 131 children were enrolled. When the next Catholic Church was erected, on the site of the present one, this also served as a school until St Mary’s Sacred Heart Convent was established in 1907.

The convent was commenced on February 26, 1907, and was opened in September of the same year. The current school building was opened in 1927. The Presentation Sisters were in charge of St Mary’s School until they withdrew in 1974.

Since this time lay principals and staff have continued the great work of the Presentation Sisters. Presently the staff consists of four teachers, including the principal, one support staff and an administration officer.

Pyramid Hill’s school is almost 70 years old. Bishop of Sandhurst the Rev. BD Stewart officially blessed and opened St Patrick’s school on February 5, 1956. The school was established to cater for a growing number of Catholic children in the Pyramid Hill region and as a memorial to the residents of the region who gave their lives in World War Two.

Hundreds of people were reported to have turned out for the opening of St Patrick’s school which was built in only eight weeks. At the time, St Patrick’s school was considered the most modern building in Pyramid Hill, and there was much pride from parishioners who contributed both financially and as volunteers to the building of the school.

In 1976 the Sisters of St Joseph withdrew from St Patrick’s after two decades of service to the children and families of Pyramid Hill and district. In 1996 a new administration area and principal’s office was constructed, it was reported to be, ‘although a small school, equal to any in facilities and educational opportunities.’

Mr O’Connor said: “St Patrick’s Catholic Primary owes much to the group of dedicated parents and the Sisters of St Joseph who founded the school in 1956.

“These Sisters were the group of courageous women who followed in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop, who dreamed of providing education to small, isolated communities.”

St Patrick’s and St Mary’s are currently accepting enrolments for 2024 and invite parents to tour their modern facilities, meet with principals and staff to discuss a contemporary faith education for their children.

Makes Autumnal Appearance

A THREE-DAY touring music festival kicks off in the Loddon next week.

Summerwave’s opening show in Weddburn next Friday will be headlined by Taylor Henderson and supportd by One More Weekend, Ivy Black, Colour Court and Kitty Rae.

The festival will continue onto Boort and conclude in Cohuna.

“We are thrilled to bring together some of the festival favourites from previous Summerwave Festivals this fabulous community music event,” said Northern District Community Health CEO Mandy Hutchinson.

“For our communities to come together at a fun and exciting event such as Summerwave is important and valuable especially after the impacts of the recent floods”, she said.

Tour co-ordinator and NDCH youth worker, Matt Allan said, “We are delighted to have Taylor Henderson as a headliner for Summerwave on Tour. Taylor last played with the tour in 2021 and is an incredibly talented singersongwriter who has captivated audiences around the world with his music.

“Being able to see live music across Victoria is not something that should ever be taken for granted,” said CEO Music Victoria, Simone Schinkel.