Ritual – St Lucy’s School

Ritual 

Transfer of Property to Dominican Education Australia

In November 1937, Archbishop Kelly arrived unannounced at Santa Sabina Strathfield, and asked the Prioress General, M. M. Gonsalvo, if the Sisters would open a school ‘for the Blind Catholic children’.  After much discussion, and the offer of ‘Juverna’, the former residence of Archbishop Sheehan, in Homebush, Mother Gonsalvo wrote to Archbishop Kelly to say that the Sisters ‘willingly, gladly and whole-heartedly’ accepted the mission.

‘Juverna’ was re-named St Lucy’s School, after the universal patron of people with impaired vision.  The first Sisters, with two girls and five boys, moved in on 2 May 1938.  Willing tutors from Sydney and Melbourne quickly moved in to teach the Sisters braille and other skills they required for the new venture.  A group of influential Catholic women – past students, or parents of students – formed a committee to assist with fund raising.

In 1960 enrolment had grown to 33 students.  The decision was taken to move Sisters and students to a more suitable campus in Wahroonga, close to similar schools conducted by the Christian Brothers and the State Department of Education.  On 16 February 1961 classes recommenced at 2 Billyard Avenue in the cottage that had formerly accommodated some of the boarders from “Prouille“.  The children had their classes there and the boarders occupied one of the dormitories in the new wing built the previous year.  Over the years St Lucy’s changed its focus from children with impaired vision to the needs of students with varying disabilities.

This gathering signifies the closure of a long chapter in Dominican history.  We remember the dedicated Dominican women who founded and nurtured this community work.  We acknowledge, the School Boards, staff, parents and community workers who over the years have enabled this mission to flourish.

While the closing of this era brings a sadness, we embrace the opportunity to entrust St Lucy’s School to Dominican Education Australia, so that the mission of the Gospel will be carried on.  Our blessing and prayers will be with all who continue this work in the spirit of Dominic.