To commemorate the centenary of St Mary’s School, Myrtleford (1923-2023) a commemorative stained-glass window was installed in the school office building, writes Jo-Ann Bennett.
By Jo-Ann Bennett
On Thursday 21 November 2024 (Presentation Day) Peter Jeffery, a talented glass craftsman from Smoko Glass, installed a beautiful stained-glass window in the entryway to the school office.
The window commemorates St Mary’s Centenary and depicts aspects of St Mary’s School that have helped the school to become what it is today. At the top of the window is the school’s motto “In Deeds, Not Words”. The school was established by the Presentation Sisters in 1923 and these words encapsulate the philosophy and the mission of the Presentation Sisters and their founder, Nano Nagle.
A lantern shines brightly in the centre of the window as a symbol of light and hope for the world, as followers of Jesus.
The Window includes features from the Myrtleford landscape, Mount Buffalo, the Ovens River, which runs through the window and fences paying tribute to the recent history of Myrtleford.
An interesting feature of the window is the Bogong Moth, which is one of our totems and was a rich food source for local Indigenous clans. These clan names are immortalised in the window: Minjambuta – the traditional custodians of this land, Dhudhuroa and Waywurru – the continuing custodians of this land.
The window was funded by money raised during our Centenary Year and a large donation from Mrs Kitty Hancock as a parting gift and legacy, when she retired after forty years of teaching, most of which was at St Mary's. Cathy and Peter Jeffery kindly donated some materials to help keep the cost down for this exquisite piece.
Visitors are welcome to come and see this beautiful and symbolic window.
Jo-Ann Bennett
Teacher and Catholic Identity Leader
St Mary's School, Myrtleford
Image above: Retiring Principal Mrs Kitty Hancock handing over the reins of her beloved St Mary’s Primary School to new Principal, Mrs Andrea O’Connor who shares the same passion for high quality education and growth as Kitty.
