Irene McCormack Catholic College principal Robert Marshall with students who finished in 2017.
Camera IconIrene McCormack Catholic College principal Robert Marshall with students who finished in 2017. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Former Irene McCormack students visit Butler campus with mural gift

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

FORMER students returned to Irene McCormack Catholic College recently to talk to students and present a mural to the school.

Assistant deputy principal John Swindells said the highest performing students from the 2017 Year 12 class returned to the Butler campus for an assembly celebrating their achievements.

The 2017 dux, Leah Ayres, who has also received the 2018 John Curtin undergraduate scholarship, talked to current Year 11 and 12 students about her experiences and strategies to be successful, and advice on meeting challenges of the coming year.

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Students presented the Legacy mural as a gift to the school in appreciation for their education and as a tribute to Sister Irene McCormack.

“The work is inspired by the Peruvian artist El Decorator and the Resurrected Irene, encompassing symbolism which embodies the spirit of both the college and its patron,” Mr Swindell said.

“The central crest is a stylised version of the College crest, inspired by a Peruvian cross and has the elements of the Southern Cross embedded within it.

“The crest reflects the chalice and body of Christ, and the importance of spirituality and the Eucharist in our college community.

“The Callistemon Citrinus flowers, which are colloquially known as Mary MacKillop bottlebrushes, allude to Australia’s first saint, as well as Irene’s own Australian heritage.

“Irene wears the broach of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the order founded by Mary MacKillop of which she was a part.”

Leah designed the artwork, and painted it with Lizzy Bognar and Teagan Howells.

Students Braidy Allen, Tafadzwa George Antonyo, Tenisha Cruz, Destini Harding, Ambi Malhi, Zoe McLean and Jordyn Va’a also helped with the mural, which will be displayed in the college library.

“Sister Irene McCormack left her mark in this world, creating immeasurable positive change,” Leah said.

“This was done through her courage and faith, being involved and working both joyously and tirelessly to serve others.

“She inspires all of us to constantly seek justice, as she left her own legacy by selflessly serving the people of Huasahuasi, Peru.”