Maryvale Primary celebrates Catholic Schools Week

Learners and teachers at Maryvale Primary School in Orchards recently gathered together to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

Headmistress Kirsten Smith began the week with a thanksgiving assembly where children listened attentively while loyal ancillary staff related their experience at the school.

Four dedicated staff members – Joel Malatji, Nkululeleko Mabaso, Sophy Malatji and Thabile Hlongwan – have been employed at the school for a combination of over 89 years. Joel is currently in his 37th year of service followed by Hlongwan with 25 years, Sophy with 20 years and Mabaso with seven years.

Smith said, “The school is their pride and joy and they are all committed to ensuring it is always kept in an immaculate condition for the enjoyment of children, staff and visitors.”

The next day, children began the morning with contemplative prayers of gratitude in their classrooms, where they were each given a pebble to paint. The pebbles will be added to the school’s pathway of prayer with each pebble brightly adorned with a word of gratitude.

The following day, children each donated a can of food that was distributed to the Missionary Sisters at Mother Theresa’s Home in Yeoville.

Class teacher Rosemarie Pearson said, “The Grade 7s each brought a loaf of bread and the class then made peanut butter and jam sandwiches which were donated to the feeding scheme in Norwood.”

The week concluded with a reflective open-air mass in the lush and leafy Maryvale gardens. Father Patrick Dladla delivered a poignant message on the need for people to change their hearts and children and teachers together prayed for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.

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