STATE Member for Mansfield Phil Reeves revealed a secret to guests gathered for the blessing and opening of new facilities at St Bernard’s School, Upper Mt Gravatt, recently.
The Child Safety and Sport minister told those gathered he had attended the school as a Year 1 student and Josephite Sister Claire Rooney, who was officially opening the facilities with him, was principal at the time.
He later moved to the newly opened St Catherine’s at Wishart, so it was a special occasion for him to be asked to return to his first school to open the $2.44 million facilities, which included an undercover area, classrooms and music rooms.
Following his revelation Mr Reeves, representing the state minister for education, helped Sr Rooney unveil the plaque.
Auxiliary Brisbane Bishop Joseph Oudeman led a liturgy in the school’s new undercover area with Fr Ian Wren, blessing the facilities and crosses that will hang in the new rooms.
Brisbane Catholic Education executive director David Hutton told the gathering that occasions such as blessing and opening ceremonies were important milestones in a school’s history.
He said they provided an opportunity to pause from the busy-ness of the everyday to reflect and give thanks for the efforts of many who have had a role to play in establishing and continuing “your own great story”.
“There have been many changes to your surroundings over the past years and I’m sure you have all followed the building program with interest,” Mr Hutton said.
“No-one would have been more interested, I am certain, than the Sisters of St Joseph who began your school more than 50 years ago.
“In these new buildings that are officially opened this morning, you too will have many opportunities to grow in wisdom, understanding and knowledge.
“This was the hope of those first teachers at St Bernard’s and has been the hope of every teacher and parent who has followed.”
Mr Hutton thanked the state government for its contribution of more than $1.9 million and the school community for providing more than $470,000 to the project.
Following the blessing and opening staff and students celebrated St Bernard’s day a week late.
