St Mary's Centenary celebrations

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Mackay also marked its centenary in August, with a series of memorable celebrations that brought together past and present members of the school community. 

The festivities began with a whole-school Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael McCarthy on Tuesday 6 August.  The large number of past students and parents commented on the lovely student behaviour and obvious sense of school spirit and pride on display. 

A Centenary Dinner was held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Friday 9 August and was a highlight of the week-long celebrations, with over 180 guests gathering to observe the school’s milestone. 

Special guests included Bishop Michael, Mr Michael McCusker (Catholic Education Diocesan Director), Mayor Greg Williamson and Mrs Julie Anne Gilbert (State Member for Mackay). MC for the evening was the Chair of the St Mary’s School Board, Mrs Vicki Smith, who undertook her task with grace, good humour and style.  

St Mary’s Principal, Wes Rose, said the evening was a wonderful occasion which was made even more special by the presence of multi-award-winning songwriter and musician Graeme Connors, a proud past-student of St Mary’s. 

“Graeme delighted the audience with stories and songs from his childhood in South Mackay and had everyone singing along to some of his well-known songs, ‘St Mary’s Fair’, ‘Mango shade’ and ‘A Child of this Land’, ” Mr Rose said. 

The celebrations concluded with a community open day on Sunday 11 August attended by past and current students, staff and parents, to explore a memorabilia display showcasing the school’s history. 

Attendees also enjoyed student performances and participated in a scavenger hunt around the school grounds.

“The week’s events were a fitting tribute to the legacy of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, South Mackay, celebrating a century of education and community spirit,” Mr Rose said. 

Photo:

Enjoying the cake cutting ceremony during Centenary celebration at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Mackay, are Bishop Michael (centre), St Mary’s Principal Wes Rose (far right), and Leadership Team members (from left) Belinda Battaia and Terri Leotta, together with Fr Matthias Ogwo and St Mary’s students.