News and Events

World Teachers' Day Remembered

The contribution of teachers was remembered during the 70th anniversary of Australia’s southern-most Catholic school at Geeveston, in Tasmania.

Sacred Heart Catholic School Principal, Stuart Kelly, said it was very appropriate to hold the celebrations on the United Nations World Teachers Day.

“While we certainly acknowledge and commend the work of teachers currently in the Catholic education system, today is also about remembering a group of courageous and committed religious Sisters who established the school here in Geeveston some 70 years ago,” Mr Kelly said.

Sacred Heart Catholic School was originally established in 1938 as St Therese’s School by the Sisters of St Joseph to educate poor rural children.

“From small beginnings, the school has grown to accommodate 180 students between kindergarten and Grade 6,” Mr Kelly said.

“Students now travel here from as far away as Mountain River and Southport.”

The celebrations, attended by the Archbishop of Hobart, the Most Rev. Adrian Doyle, saw a statue of a Sister and three children, carved from King Billy pine, unveiled.
“Local artist, Bernie Tarr was inspired by the story of the Sisters and their contribution to the local community over the past 70 years,” Mr Kelly said.

“He volunteered to design and create a wood carving from King Billy pine that would highlight the dedication and commitment of the Sisters in educating poor children from the rural areas of the Huon Valley.”

After the unveiling, a number of the Sisters of St Joseph came forward to inspect the statue – all coming away very impressed with the work of Bernie Tarr.