St Luke’s Primary School celebrates 30-year milestone

25 Oct 2018

By The Record

Fr Peter Porteous challenged those present to be imitators of St Luke at the school’s 30th anniversary in conjunction with St Luke’s feast day on 18 October. Photo: Amanda Murthy.

By Amanda Murthy

Students, parents, former and current staff united on 18 October to reflect on and celebrate 30 years of memories at St Luke’s Catholic Primary School.

Among the distinguished guests present were Foundation Principal Sr Mary O’Connor, former Principal David Hunter, current Principal Andrew Kelly, and Acting Assistant Principal Jackie Hunt.

The celebrations, in conjunction with the feast of St Luke, began with a Mass at Woodvale Parish.

Foundation Principal Sr Mary O’Connor stands with former Principal David Hunter and Principal Andrew Kelly at St Luke’s Primary School on 18 October. Photo: Amanda Murthy.

Father Peter Porteous celebrated the Mass with concelebrants Fr Stephen Jean Paul Victor and Fr Lawrence Murphy SDS.

Reflecting on the life of St Luke and his mission, Fr Porteous spoke of the role of doctors as carers.

“Teachers too are a form of doctors or nurses,” he told the congregation during his homily.

“They try to give you what you need in order to live a full human life – nurturing you and helping you with your learning.”

The students and teachers of St Luke made up the choir for the St Luke’s Primary School 30th anniversary mass on Thursday 18 October. Photo: Amanda Murthy.

Fr Porteous spoke about Fred Hollows, a doctor who dedicated his entire life travelling to third-world countries to save thousands of eyesights during his lifetime.

“Fred did not do it for riches or power; he simply believed that everyone deserved the right to see and that he was doing God’s work by helping those in need,” he added.

“Just like St Luke, our patron saint was a physician, who dedicated his life to help others, we should always be asking ourselves – how I can help people to become well? What I can do for them that they are able to live full healthy lives without pain and sadness?

“If we do this, we will truly become imitators of St Luke and we will be devoted to healing because we love God, and therefore we love His people,” Fr Porteous concluded.

Those present then made their way back to the school ground for a fun fair organised by the teachers and parents.

Telethon Speech and Hearing teacher Katie Oakley looks at the board displaying photos from then to now at St Luke’s 30th anniversary on Thursday 18 October. Photo: Amanda Murthy.

Principal Andrew Kelly took the stage to thank everyone for their generous dedication and support through the years.

“Anniversaries encourage reflection, they prompt great celebration, and they bring people together,” Mr Kelly said.

“Turning 30 is a major milestone for St Luke’s. Being a Catholic school, St Luke’s has offered quality education and has prepared the children for living and working in a multicultural society.

“Being a successful student means getting the most out of your educational experience, socially and academically. In the words of the Sisters of Mercy, success to them was always heard with the saying – ‘It is our attitude, not our aptitude that will determine our altitude’.

“I believe St Luke’s is a success story,” Mr Kelly stated.

Sr O’Connor said she was glad to be back to celebrate this huge achievement, and is happy to see that there is still a lovely community, growth, truth, honesty, and care from the staff and students.

“What more can I ask for?” she said with a smile.