C elebrating 5 0 Ye a r s
Rosary Primary School, Watson celebrated its 50th Anniversary during the first week of August. Celebrations began on Monday with Mass concelebrated by Father Kieran Adams OP and Father Bernie Maxwell OP, commemorating St Dominic’s Feast Day and highlighting Rosary’s foundation by the Dominican Sisters in 1963. Morning tea and a nostalgic look at memorabilia followed the Mass. Afterwards the school community and guests gathered at the front of the school for the unveiling and blessing of the 50th Anniversary Mural. Artist Michael Winters created the work at his studio in Dubbo and the panels were then transported to the school. The mural depicts ‘pages of history’ - a visual reminder of the past, with links to the present as well as a glimpse of the future. Some Rosary parents constructed the frame for the mural on Sunday and erected it at 6:00 am on Monday, so that the unveiled mural was a surprise for all those present. We were blessed to be joined on the day by Dominican Sisters June Peck, Maure Campbell, Kath Maher (all former Principals), and Sisters Doreen Ellsmore, Maureen O’Connell, Maureen Rigby, Helen Rankin and Rosemary Lewins. Also present were former Principals of Rosary: Mrs Meg Clarke, Mrs Moira Sutch and Mrs Anne Merner; four past Assistant Principals: Mr Greg Walker, Mrs Verlene Marshall, Mrs Vicky van der Sanden and Ms Brenda Foley; and three Religious Education Coordinators: Mrs Millie McKeough, Ms Julie Quinn and Sr Kate McMahon. The first lay teacher, Mrs Marie Shaw was also present. Official guests for the ceremony were Mrs Moira Najdecki, Director of Catholic of Catholic Education; Mr Steve Doszpot MLA, Shadow Minister for Education; Mrs Guilia Jones MLA, Member for Molonglo; and, Mr Graeme Mahon, Chair of the Rosary School Board. The culmination of our week of celebrations was the Rosary 50th Anniversary Black and White Ball held on Saturday night at Thoroughbred Park. Close to 300 past and present staff, parents, friends and parishioners came together for a night of festivity. The guest of honour was former Rosary student, Nick Kyrgios, the current world junior tennis champion. Maureen Doszpot, Principal Rosary Primary School, Watson ACT