Suzanne Aubert Catholic School Opening
Bishop Steve blesses the new school while children and staff pray.
WRITTEN BY:
Brigid Conroy
READ TIME:
3 min
“To engage, inspire and empower through Christ”: this vision, the motto of Suzanne Aubert Catholic School, was inspired by the work of Suzanne Aubert and is what will guide the foundation board of trustees, staff and students in the creation of this new community of learning.
After only six months of planning, praying and preparing, the school was blessed and opened by Bishop Steve on February 2 2021 in the presence of students, staff and board members, governance facilitator Jeremy Kedian, All Saints by the Sea parish community, tangata whenua, manuhiri and sisters from the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion in Whanganui. "The Sisters of Compassion were founded by Suzanne Aubert. She was a woman of great faith and inspired many people. For the sisters today we hope that Meri Hōhepa/Suzanne Aubert will be an inspiration for all the school community here," said Sister Margaret-Anne Mills.
Welcomed via a whakatau by local iwi and inspiring opening remarks from establishment board chair, Ron Scott, foundation principal Anthony Mills, Bishop Steve Lowe, and Sister Margaret-Anne, Bishop Steve blessed not only the buildings but all the new learners and those present. Ron Scott put it this way: “Like the Church itself, Suzanne Aubert Catholic School is not these buildings, as wonderful as they are. At the centre of the school, the beating heart, are the learners.”
Whaea Koti with water from the Whanganui River and Bishop Steve Lowe praying a blessing over the waters, which he then used to bless the school buildings, teachers, pupils, and community.
The school has been finished just in time for the opening, with further developments planned in the coming year such as a couple of new playgrounds.
