Dear Sionians,
Our College theme for 2012 has been “Gifted with Courage, Grace and
Wisdom.” This all embracing theme set the challenge for all members of
the College community to draw inspiration from the depth of their hearts.
It impelled us to encounter the gifts of courage, grace and wisdom that
come from within, “for wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge
will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10). This theme was chosen
to respond to our students’ needs and deepest hungers for meaning and
purpose. This theme helped our students see the real beyond the virtual
and that their life is more meaningful when lived to its fullness. This
theme invited our students to think deeply and it assisted them in
forming their inner lives.
God has gifted each one of us with courage, grace and wisdom;
therefore, if we can recognise this goodness within ourselves, we can
truly make the most of the greatest of God’s gifts, life itself. St. John tells
us in his First Letter “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon
grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1: 16-17) With courage, we too can follow
Jesus’ example by allowing God’s Grace to shine within us and enable us
to show humility and compassion.
As past students’ of Our Lady of Sion College, your lives were inspired by
the legacy of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. As Daughters of Sion, you
were and still are challenged to have the courage to be who you are
called to be; to follow Jesus’ example and work for justice, truth,
reconciliation and peace. As Sionians, you are called to act with grace;
to practice humility and mercy, and called to seek and share wisdom.
We recently had a number of past students at the College for our Year
9 “Significant People, Significant Lives” project. Our Year 9 students
researched and presented stories of inspirational people who have
made a wonderful contribution to the community. In the stories written
about our past students, it is truly evident that the gifts of courage,
grace and wisdom continue to be shared amongst our community.
May the blessings of God be with you as 2012 draws to a close and
may the season of Advent bring you much peace and joy.
Karen Jebb
Principal
It has been another busy year for the team of dedicated past students
who represent the great number of women who have attended the
College over many years. Our aim is to raise the profile of the ongoing
connection we all have to Our Lady of Sion; and to celebrate and enjoy
the memories of school days, keeping the spirit alive for all ages.
It has been wonderful to see the resurgence of reunions over the past
year and in the true spirit of the College, women from all walks of life
come together to celebrate the memory of their times together at Our
Lady of Sion. This year students from 1952 to 2002 have experienced
the joy of coming together with the common bond of being ‘Daughters of
Sion’.
Through the tireless efforts of Sandy Nicholson, who oversees the Past
Student archives, many students and families have had the opportunity
to visit the new Heritage Room 1928 at the College. The Heritage Room
1928 houses many items of memorabilia, and the College encourages
past students to donate items to keep the room alive with memories.
Sandy Nicholson has worked hard to develop this room which was
officially opened on Tuesday 23rd October and we thank her for her
efforts.
In past years we have held regular fund raising events to raise money to
support our ‘Daughter of Sion’ award. This award was established three
years ago by the Past Students’ Association to celebrate and
acknowledge young women at the College who embrace the Sionian
Our Lady of Sion College Past Students’ Association
EDITION 15 November 2012
From the Principal
SIONIANS
vision and philosophy. The recipient of the award receives $500 from
the Past Students’ Association that she then donates to a charity of
her choice. In the future, we will ask for a $5 donation from those who
attend the reunions as a way of ensuring this valuable recognition
continues to be awarded.
I would like to congratulate the current Committee, especially Danielle
Grehan, Maureen Eldridge, Emily Webb and Emily Pooley, and the
many staff members at the College who keep the Past Students’
Association alive. As Committee members we are made to feel very
much a part of the Sion community and I thank Karen Jebb, Principal,
Carolyn Young, Deputy Principal — Faith and Mission, Robyn McCann,
Administration Assistant, and, of course, the Sisters of Our Lady of
Sion for their ongoing support of our endeavours.
New members are encouraged to attend our regular Committee
meetings to offer support. I strongly encourage many more of you to
become involved in the Past Students’ Association as I know the
experience will be a satisfying and rewarding one for you. Our first
meeting for 2013 will take place at the College at 7.30pm on the 5th
of March. On behalf of the Committee, I wish you all a blessed and
enjoyable Christmas and New Year!
Elske Tecklenburg
President
President’s Report
Sister Patricia Fox is the Regional Coordinator of the Australia/
Philippine Province of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. Sr. Patricia
has lived in the Philippines for the past 20 years and prior to that
was a member of the provincial team of the Australia/Philippines
Province. The Our Lady of Sion Sisters have been in the Philippines
since 1990 and Sr. Patricia has been instrumental in growing the
Order there.
A former pupil of St Francis Xavier Primary School and Our Lady of
Sion College, Sr. Patricia said she worked in a bank for three years
before undertaking teacher training and entering the Sion Order.
“I did not forget my experiences with the Sisters at school during my
working days,” Sr. Patricia recalled.
Sr. Patricia said she has had many highlights during her time as a
Sister of Our Lady of Sion, and that in particular two years spent in
Israel during the seventies was an important time. To spend time in
that most sacred place was truly special.
Sr. Patricia asserted that the experiences she has had in the
Philippines have been life-changing:
“The learnings from being part of another very different culture
have been very enriching for me.”
Sr. Patricia is involved in advocating for and improving the lives of
the rural poor in the Philippines. She also speaks on the issue of
promoting peace in Palestine and Israel, and earlier this year gave
an address, “Understanding Palestine-Israel Conflict towards Peace
Based on Justice” in Manila.
This inspiring sister encourages students at Our Lady of Sion
College to be open to the ‘new and different’.
“Always see others as our brother and sister… you will be surprised
with the gifts waiting for you,” Sr. Patricia said.
In her work with the poor in Australia, and with the indigenous and
the rural poor of the Philippines, Sr. Patricia has come to
understand more the expression: “When you approach another
people or culture, take off your shoes, because God was there
before you.” This lesson is an important one for each of us.
Emily Webb (nee Wood, Class on 1994)
Past Students’ Association Committee Member
Sr Patricia Fox nds
SIONIANS
Edition 15
We have been very happy here at the College to develop a heritage
room that enables students, staff and members of the extended
College community to view various displays showcasing the 84 year
history of our College. On October 23rd this room was officially
opened under the name ‘Heritage Room 1928’.
The name of the room draws attention to the proud tradition of this
College, founded in 1928 and thriving in 2012! The Heritage Room
1928 is open to students throughout the day, and all Year 7 classes
will visit the room as part of their introduction to College life.
Whenever we hold reunions at the College, Sandy Nicholson,
College Archivist, prepares displays in the room that showcase the
class of the reunion. These displays and the various temporary
exhibits that Sandy creates provide tribute to the thousands of
Daughters of Sion who have passed through the cherry red gates.
A simple ceremony marked the official opening of the Heritage
Room 1928. This ceremony was attended by various past students,
College staff and representatives of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.
Moira Spierings, daughter of Andree Marie Coutts (nee Dobson)
Class of 1940, also attended the opening of the Heritage Room
1928 on behalf of her mother who now lives in Horsham. Andree
first came to Notre Dame de Sion in 1930 as a five year old
Boarder. Moira was delighted to find two photos of her mother on
display!
In Sion firmata sum!
Official Opening of the Heritage Room 1928
SIONIANS
Sr. Kathleen Hourigan (Sr. Annunciata)
24th June 1940 - 27th September 2012
Sr. Kathleen Hourigan was born in Gippsland and was a country girl
through and through. She was one of seven children, her twin being her
brother Kevin. She first came in contact with Sion in the 1950's and truly
answered a call from deep within to commit herself to God within the
community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. The Word of God became
central to her life and she was professed in 1960 at Sale.
Sr. Kathleen became a qualified teacher, where her many skills
developed further. She loved her students and they reciprocated by
doing their best for her. She often assisted families in need. In the later
part of her working life she became a Personal Carer for the Elderly
whom she served with reverence and love. News of her goodness
circulated and the elderly began to ask specially for her.
Sr. Kathleen was a deeply caring and compassionate woman; strong-
willed, resilient, and independent. She was willing to share herself and
her gifts with anyone who crossed her path. Her legacy of love and
boundless energy used in dedicated service will be long remembered.
In her illness Sr. Kathleen was often heard to say “Thank God for
each day and let us live it fully; yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is
not yet.”
Sr. Theresa Condon (Sr. Carmel) 19th November 1917 - 7th December 2011
Sr. Theresa was born in 1917, one of five children of a farming
family at Jindervick near Warragul. She was one of thirteen
boarders at our College in Warragul in the late 1920's, and this
began her relationship with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.
Sr. Theresa was the first principal at St. Thomas' Primary School
in Sale. She loved her teaching and her pupils loved her fondly.
Sr. Theresa is remembered also for her great love and
commitment to the Congregation and the words of Fr. Theodore.
Sr. Theresa remembered with gratitude her time assisting in
the guest house at Ein Karem for its many blessings. On her
return to Australia, she took up parish ministry, tirelessly
visiting the sick and the shut-ins in the parish of Ascot Vale;
this commitment continued when she moved to Kew.
During retirement Sr. Theresa was still motivated to assist
others less fortunate than her. She found time to assist in the
sacristy, stamp groups for charity, and also clerical work for the
Centre for Jewish-Christian Relations at Kew. It was always in a
spirit of thankfulness that Sr. Theresa lived her life, and she
made and supported many friends.
Sr. Theresa often said she left her heart in Israel. We believe
she left a little of her heart with all people she served, wherever she was over the years of her life.
Sr. Shirley Sedawie (Sr. Callistus) OAM
23rd September 1924 - 31st December 2011
Sr. Shirley was born in Sydney and was formally admitted as a
Sister of Our Lady of Sion in 1946. In 1962, she went to Jerusalem
to study. When Sr. Shirley returned she founded the Centre for
Jewish-Christian Dialogue in Box Hill, and many senior students at
OLSC in Box Hill benefited from Sr. Shirley’s Biblical studies course.
Sr. Shirley majored in Semitic languages and Middle Eastern
thought, before completing her Master’s thesis on the topic `The
Beginning of the Conflict between Christian and Jews’. In 1978,
she joined an international team at the Centre for Jewish-
Christian Relations in Rome, and later became its director. Sr.
Shirley was responsible for the quarterly international
publication SIDIC that focused on the international progress of
Jewish-Christian dialogue; worked with the Vatican's
Department of Relations with Judaism and the Jewish People;
and lectured at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Sr. Shirley became one of the founders of the Council of Christians
and Jews in Victoria. She was made an honorary life member in
1995, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her
services ''to the promotion of interfaith relations and
understanding''. At the time, Archbishop Denis Hart wrote: ''You
have been a remarkable leader in the field of Catholic-Jewish
relations, bringing your warmth and welcome to the relationship.”
Sr. Shirley truly was an `interfaith beacon’.
Sr. Shirley also worked with the Victorian Council of Churches and
the Anglican Ecumenical Affairs Commission; befriended the
Aboriginal community at Dundarra and remained a staunch
supporter of the community for the rest of her life; and survivors of
the Shoah living in Melbourne found in her a trusted and lifelong
friend. Sr. Shirley’s life and work are an inspiration to us all.
Sr. Kathleen Keely (Sr. Margaret Theresa) 4th May 1920 - 16th July 2012
Sr. Kathleen Keely was born in Melbourne in 1920. In mid 1933 she
went to school at Our Lady of Sion in Sale; then was offered a
scholarship for her matriculation year at Our Lady of Sion in Box Hill.
She attended Melbourne University and was the youngest student
there at that time.
Sr. Kathleen was professed as a Sister of NDS in 1944. She was a
great educator, as many students of her literature classes would
testify. Sr. Kathleen loved beauty and truth - both were a
manifestation of God for her. Later in her life she worked with
Vietnamese migrants in Sale. Sr. Kathleen assisted them to make a
smooth transition to Australia. These connections and friendships
continued until her death.
Sr. Kathleen was a profound thinker and pondered deep Christological
questions and their implications for Jewish-Christian Relations. This
was expressed when she went to Rome to work at the International
Jewish-Christian Documentation Service; Sr. Kathleen thrived in the
atmosphere of theological stimulation.
Sr. Kathleen was first and foremost a woman of God. She held the
double command to love God and love neighbour closely in her heart.
Many people will remember her friendship and genuine interest in
them, and we give thanks to God for a gentle Sister whose life and
ministry were an encouragement to us all.
November 2012
Sr Shirley Sedawie
Sr Kathleen Hourigan
Sr Kathleen Keely
Sr Theresa Condon
SIONIANS
November 2012
Past students with any information on the above photos please contact:
Sandy Nicholson - [email protected]
From the Archives
A big thank you to Jean Lonsdale (nee McEntee), Notre Dame de Sion
student No. 50, for sending photos, dates and names on a photo featured
in the Sionians, Edition 11.
1950s - Any information appreciated
1989 First Day of School, Assembly on Oval
Class of 1992 20 Year Reunion
On Saturday the 10th of November approximately 25 graduates of
the Class of 1992 returned to the College for their 20 year reunion.
This reunion was, in fact, the second reunion this year for this
class, but the first to be held here at the College. It was fantastic to
hear the laughter and happy reminiscing that took place as the
group took their tour of the school! I think everyone agreed that the
school looks fantastic and offers so many wonderful facilities for
the Daughters of Sion studying here today!
Thanks to Anna Pansino for organising this opportunity to visit the
College and take a stroll down memory lane! Thanks too to Sam
Clifford for coordinating the first reunion held for the Class of ’92
this year, which was a wonderful evening with lots of happy stories
and shared memories. Finally, thanks must also go to all of the
women who attended the reunion at the College and made
donations to the prize for this year’s Daughter of Sion award winner
– this impressive young lady will be announced at our annual Night
of Excellence.
1950s Reunion
Past students who attended the College during the 1950s came
together on November 24th for a tour of the College before heading
out to lunch to celebrate their 70th birthdays. Their stories were
thoroughly entertaining and their memories of Notre Dame de Sion
were very fond. Happy birthday to these wonderful women!
Next meeting of the Past Students’ Association
Tuesday 5th March, 2013 at 7.30pm
Our Lady of Sion College
All Past Students most welcome
Dear Sionians,
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