KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

Holy Rosary School Derby - 50th Year Anniversary

Derby's Day of Triumph - Golden Anniversary

When the people of Derby get together to celebrate they surely know how to do it with class and fervour. The weekend of 12th/13th June was set aside to mark the 50th Anniversary of Holy Rosary School and what a remembrance it was.
The weekend festivities included a wonderful concert with dancing, songs, a duo of violins and a superb piano recital. Photographs were on display giving a thorough look at Holy Rosary over the past five decades.
On Saturday evening Mass was held in the neat and well decorated Church. The humble origins of the school were recalled by Bishop Saunders. He made reference to Sr Ignatius with a handful of students who were welcomed by the then priest Father Francis Heugal SAC. After a benediction, Sister began her classes in early 1954 on the porch of the old church. Using slates and home-made black boards the students had fruit cases for furniture. "The generous energy of those who started this school in 1954 is still alive and present at Holy Rosary fifty years later", Bishop Saunders said.

"The St John of God Sisters set the trend of self sacrifice and dedicated service. Happily, this spirit lives on through the lay-teachers, Our Lady of the Mission Sisters, teaching assistants, parents and students of today. Here, you can feel the keen desire to build a healthy environment to nurture children and support a vibrant faith. What we celebrate today was established through the determined love of people begun in 1954", he concluded.
Later that night, a cabaret at the Civic Centre was well attended with music provided by local musicians all of whom have had significant connections with Holy Rosary over the years. A beautiful anniversary cake was cut to mark the occasion.
The faction sports carnival on Sunday after the 9.00am Mass gave the students a chance to show their talents and provided a great deal of joy for everyone present throughout the day.
During the speeches made at the undercroft on Saturday morning many tributes were paid to present Parish Priest, Father Wendelin Lorenz SAC, who left the parish at the end of July after thirty five years. Father was thanked for his pastoral care at Holy Rosary and his vital interest in the school. [Ed. Note: A coverage of the parish farewell for Fr Lorenz will be published in the next Profile.]
Many ex-teachers, principals and students attended the '50 years of Holy Rosary' ensuring that there was a celebratory connection between the glorious past and the notable present of a remarkable school.

Sr Philomena SJG, Kylie Morrison, Sr Leone SJG and Sr. Veronica SJG cut the celebratory cake made by Kylie. Photo: CAS