40th anniversary celebrations at St John the Apostle Primary School, Florey, commenced with a mass led by Fr Gerrard McCormick, attended by the entire school community including past staff. 

Special guest Tara Cheyne, MLA, took time out of her busy schedule to be part of this milestone event. “What a lovely morning – the school spirit was everywhere!” she said.

The mass gave an opportunity for shared reflection on the school’s history. Principal Matthew Garton spoke of his memories. “After enrolling my son Eoin in Kindergarten 14 years ago, our time at the school and parish will always be one of the fondest and warmest memories in our family story and I know that we are not alone in this experience.”

“All of us here today will have stories to tell of their time at St John’s, of laughter, tears of joy, hard work, compassion, kindness and passion. Each person in the story of St John’s has contributed to its richness, its depth and enabled it to become, of itself, a powerful sharing of God’s love to so many,” he said.

Following the mass, the school community enjoyed an open day and sausage sizzle, which gave everyone an opportunity to reconnect and share stories.

Pauline Greig, one of the school’s founding teachers and Religious Education Coordinator, said “It was truly a wonderful event, with the Principal and Stephanie Stewart (REC) presenting us with 40 years of history at the beautiful mass. We were truly blessed.”

In commemoration of the anniversary, the cross at the front of the school was redesigned with a beautiful mosaic by Stephanie Stewart. It was a special day for St John’s, where all came together to celebrate this important milestone.