Sacred Heart: In a class of its own
By Wendy Shaw
One of the oldest Catholic schools in the state is preparing to mark 150 years of faith-filled learning.
Excitement is growing as Launceston’s Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School sesquicentenary approaches, according to principal Brent Wilson.
He said a committee had been hard at work preparing for the anniversary for the past year. There is much to celebrate, Mr Wilson explained.
“It is a fantastic school,” he said.
“We still maintain the values of 150 years ago. We are as keen now, as the founders were then – the Presentation Sisters and then the Christian Brothers – to support and educate the students in the Catholic faith.
“What stood strong in 1873 is still strong in 2023. While the Sisters are no longer physically here, their mission and faith is still present, loud and true. [Presentation Sisters founder] Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice [who founded the Christian Brothers] are still important to our school.
“A couple of years ago we set up a Founders’ Corner featuring Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice, and in another 100 years we can say we are still founded on their values.”
The anniversary will be marked with events in mid-June. On 16 June, Archbishop Julian will celebrate Mass on Sacred Heart’s Feast Day at the adjacent Church of the Apostles, with the school’s 460 students in attendance.
Students will dress in olden day clothing and special events at the school will include games of marbles and hopscotch, and a school-wide talent show in the afternoon.
Current teachers, support and office staff will have an anniversary meal on 15 June. Old Collegians are gathering for a lunch on 17 June.
Former students and their families are welcome at the parish mass on Sunday 18 June, at 10.30am will be followed by morning tea and school tours. (RSVP by 7 June for morning tea and tour to shsl@catholic.tas.edu.au or call (03) 6331 1011.)
Work in also under way on a seven-panel montage telling the history of the school and there are plans for QR codes throughout the site to explain more about Sacred Heart’s special features.
Bishop Daniel Murphy blessed and opened the original Sacred Heart Convent and School, in what is now known as the Presentation House, in February 1873.
Over the next 150 years the site has also played host to Sacred Heart College, St Patrick’s College, St Patrick’s Preparatory School, Marian College and the current Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.