The theme of partnership resonated
loudly when staff and students from St Peter Claver College, Riverview, joined
St Ann’s School, Redbank Plains, for a very special assembly.
The purpose of the assembly (held
on Monday 3 August 2020) – for SPCC staff and students to gift a brand-new
handmade Altar to the primary school in its foundation year.
St Ann’s School Principal
Sonny Smith said as a Catholic school, the Altar would be a very welcome
addition to all school Liturgies and Masses.
“The Altar also formally
acknowledges the unique partnership that our schools will continue to develop
over the coming years,” he said.
“We not only hope St Peter
Claver College will be a school of choice for our students as they move into
their secondary studies, but we also hope we will have some of our St Ann’s
students visit when they are students of St Peter Claver and remember the day
this relationship was forged.”
The finished Altar is a
combination of the passion and dedication shown by the Year 12 Certificate I in
Construction students who designed and constructed it. The Altar also
incorporates St Ann’s symbolic cross.
St Peter Claver College Principal
Terry Finan said it was a pleasure to be a part of something that has brought
the two schools together and will continue to bind them for decades to come.
“As Catholic communities, we
both value rituals and this Altar will be both a focus of many of St Ann’s Liturgies
and an ongoing symbol of our partnership,” he said.
“When it became apparent St
Ann’s needed an Altar we didn’t hesitate to volunteer for the job.
“The College has the tools
needed to execute the job and the talented students needed to bring it to
life.”
St Peter Claver College Head
of Technology James Dolan said real-life experiences like this are incredibly valuable
for students.
“By giving them the
opportunity to participate in these types of tasks they are able to contribute
to the community while honing their skills and showing how much they have
learned during their time at St Peter Claver College,” he said.
“It’s a part of both schools’
history now – the St Ann’s Altar built by the SPCC construction students of 2020.”
Mr Smith also added, “We
cannot thank the community at St Peter Claver College enough for this amazing gift.
Every time we come together to acknowledge and celebrate the presence of Christ
amongst us, we will reflect on this moment.”