Mater Christi Primary School in Yangebup last month celebrated 25 years of history as staff, students and the wider community came together to commemorate a school known for its ability to foster love of learning, community, charity, and social justice.
Principal Toni Kalat said it is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the school opened.
“Although there have been many changes in education during the last 25 years, it is the ongoing spirit, passion and commitment shown by the Mater Christi community over 25 years that is at its core,” Ms Kalat said.
“It is fantastic having an established and continuing legacy of great school pride, community spirit, making Jesus a real presence and, of course, the ongoing motto of ‘Charity in our Hearts’,” she said.
The school celebrated the occasion on Friday, 6 November, commencing with Mass celebrated by Parish Priest, Fr Bryan Rosling, together with concelebrants Frs Jim Corcoran and Ranier Fernandez.
During the Mass, the Anniversary Cross, made up of mosaic tile pieces to which each child and staff member contributed, was blessed and is now mounted on display at the front of the school.
“Being Christ-centred, child-centred and community- centred is absolutely vital and it is the prime reason why we are all part of the Mater Christi family,” Ms Kalat said.
“The positive and encouraging interactions between family, community, parish and school are at the heart of a happy and successful school and this is definitely at the core of Mater Christi.
“As we celebrate 25 years, it is these close partnerships that were formed so long ago and continue through to the present day and, I am sure, into the future, that are the binding feature of our school.”
The occasion was attended by more than 200 people – including past staff members, parish priests, assistant principals and principals, together with community members and invited guests – who came to give thanks for our history, renew friendships and make new memories for the future.
Ms Kalat also spoke about the role of Sr Emmanuel Crocetti, who has been a part of the school community since its inception.
During the Mass, Sr Emmanuel was presented with a plaque commemorating her years of love and service to the children, staff, parents and parish community.
Guests were also invited to share in a morning tea and participate in a Memory Walk through the school, where a photographic display awaited them and the lovely voices of the school choirs.
“The beautifully arranged photo story included shots from the foundation of the school 25 years ago to some of the great achievements that have seen Mater Christi establish itself as a school of choice in Yangebup and the surrounding areas,” Ms Kalat said.
The celebrations were capped off with a variety of tabloid sports and fun activities organised by the staff, school lunch provided by the Parents and Friends Committee (P&F), a whole-of-school anniversary photo, the blessing of the new time capsule and the installation of a fountain that was funded by the School Board and the P&F.
“A special thank you to all those involved, the staff, the many parents and community members, the P&F and the School Board, who have given so generously of their time, energy and expertise to make us a school of true excellence,” Ms Kalat said.
“I am sure that there are many more wonderful years to come and many more exciting chapters to be written in the Mater Christi Catholic Primary School ‘Charity in our Hearts’ story,” she said.