Presentation Sisters at Notre Dame School

Wisdom sought is wisdom found

In April 1960, a decision was made to build a Church/school on land secured by Archbishop Prendiville. On 11 April 1960 the Parish was placed under the patronage of Our Lady and named Notre Dame. The new school building named Notre Dame School was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Prendiville on 11 December, 1960.

From the time the Parish was established, Notre Dame School was overseen by the Presentation Sisters. The school opened in January 1960 with an initial school population of 60 children. By 1968 enrolment numbers fluctuated between 220 – 240 which included girls up to Year 6 and boys up to Year 5.

Several extensions occurred during 1975 and 1998 with new classrooms, administration blocks, demountable classrooms for teaching migrants as well as the establishment of a Library, Resource Centre and Pre-Primary Centre. In 1985 Notre Dame Parish celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the opening of the Parish School.

In 2008 the Presentation Sisters, who had administered the school since its foundation, were farewelled by the Notre Dame community. Sister Catherine Warner became the last Religious Principal of the school. After consultation with both communities, a decision was made by the Catholic Education Office to amalgamate Holy Name School in Carlisle with Notre Dame and the school’s first lay principal, Mr Paul Hille, was appointed in 2009 to oversee the amalgamation and building of the new school. In November 2009, a decision was made by Archbishop Barry Hickey to retain the name Notre Dame Catholic Primary School.

References:

Heritage and Formation of Notre Dame.pdf

Reflection:

Where can you see the Presentation Charism represented at our school?

How does the Presentation Charism inspire me?