Dear Sionians,

Our College theme for 2012 has been “Gifted with Courage, Grace and

Wisdom.” This all embracing theme set the challenge for all members of

the College community to draw inspiration from the depth of their hearts.

It impelled us to encounter the gifts of courage, grace and wisdom that

come from within, “for wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge

will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10). This theme was chosen

to respond to our students’ needs and deepest hungers for meaning and

purpose. This theme helped our students see the real beyond the virtual

and that their life is more meaningful when lived to its fullness. This

theme invited our students to think deeply and it assisted them in

forming their inner lives.

God has gifted each one of us with courage, grace and wisdom;

therefore, if we can recognise this goodness within ourselves, we can

truly make the most of the greatest of God’s gifts, life itself. St. John tells

us in his First Letter “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon

grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came

through Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1: 16-17) With courage, we too can follow

Jesus’ example by allowing God’s Grace to shine within us and enable us

to show humility and compassion.

As past students’ of Our Lady of Sion College, your lives were inspired by

the legacy of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. As Daughters of Sion, you

were and still are challenged to have the courage to be who you are

called to be; to follow Jesus’ example and work for justice, truth,

reconciliation and peace. As Sionians, you are called to act with grace;

to practice humility and mercy, and called to seek and share wisdom.

We recently had a number of past students at the College for our Year

9 “Significant People, Significant Lives” project. Our Year 9 students

researched and presented stories of inspirational people who have

made a wonderful contribution to the community. In the stories written

about our past students, it is truly evident that the gifts of courage,

grace and wisdom continue to be shared amongst our community.

May the blessings of God be with you as 2012 draws to a close and

may the season of Advent bring you much peace and joy.

Karen Jebb

Principal

It has been another busy year for the team of dedicated past students

who represent the great number of women who have attended the

College over many years. Our aim is to raise the profile of the ongoing

connection we all have to Our Lady of Sion; and to celebrate and enjoy

the memories of school days, keeping the spirit alive for all ages.

It has been wonderful to see the resurgence of reunions over the past

year and in the true spirit of the College, women from all walks of life

come together to celebrate the memory of their times together at Our

Lady of Sion. This year students from 1952 to 2002 have experienced

the joy of coming together with the common bond of being ‘Daughters of

Sion’.

Through the tireless efforts of Sandy Nicholson, who oversees the Past

Student archives, many students and families have had the opportunity

to visit the new Heritage Room 1928 at the College. The Heritage Room

1928 houses many items of memorabilia, and the College encourages

past students to donate items to keep the room alive with memories.

Sandy Nicholson has worked hard to develop this room which was

officially opened on Tuesday 23rd October and we thank her for her

efforts.

In past years we have held regular fund raising events to raise money to

support our ‘Daughter of Sion’ award. This award was established three

years ago by the Past Students’ Association to celebrate and

acknowledge young women at the College who embrace the Sionian

Our Lady of Sion College Past Students’ Association

EDITION 15 November 2012

From the Principal

SIONIANS

vision and philosophy. The recipient of the award receives $500 from

the Past Students’ Association that she then donates to a charity of

her choice. In the future, we will ask for a $5 donation from those who

attend the reunions as a way of ensuring this valuable recognition

continues to be awarded.

I would like to congratulate the current Committee, especially Danielle

Grehan, Maureen Eldridge, Emily Webb and Emily Pooley, and the

many staff members at the College who keep the Past Students’

Association alive. As Committee members we are made to feel very

much a part of the Sion community and I thank Karen Jebb, Principal,

Carolyn Young, Deputy Principal — Faith and Mission, Robyn McCann,

Administration Assistant, and, of course, the Sisters of Our Lady of

Sion for their ongoing support of our endeavours.

New members are encouraged to attend our regular Committee

meetings to offer support. I strongly encourage many more of you to

become involved in the Past Students’ Association as I know the

experience will be a satisfying and rewarding one for you. Our first

meeting for 2013 will take place at the College at 7.30pm on the 5th

of March. On behalf of the Committee, I wish you all a blessed and

enjoyable Christmas and New Year!

Elske Tecklenburg

President

President’s Report

Sister Patricia Fox is the Regional Coordinator of the Australia/

Philippine Province of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. Sr. Patricia

has lived in the Philippines for the past 20 years and prior to that

was a member of the provincial team of the Australia/Philippines

Province. The Our Lady of Sion Sisters have been in the Philippines

since 1990 and Sr. Patricia has been instrumental in growing the

Order there.

A former pupil of St Francis Xavier Primary School and Our Lady of

Sion College, Sr. Patricia said she worked in a bank for three years

before undertaking teacher training and entering the Sion Order.

“I did not forget my experiences with the Sisters at school during my

working days,” Sr. Patricia recalled.

Sr. Patricia said she has had many highlights during her time as a

Sister of Our Lady of Sion, and that in particular two years spent in

Israel during the seventies was an important time. To spend time in

that most sacred place was truly special.

Sr. Patricia asserted that the experiences she has had in the

Philippines have been life-changing:

“The learnings from being part of another very different culture

have been very enriching for me.”

Sr. Patricia is involved in advocating for and improving the lives of

the rural poor in the Philippines. She also speaks on the issue of

promoting peace in Palestine and Israel, and earlier this year gave

an address, “Understanding Palestine-Israel Conflict towards Peace

Based on Justice” in Manila.

This inspiring sister encourages students at Our Lady of Sion

College to be open to the ‘new and different’.

“Always see others as our brother and sister… you will be surprised

with the gifts waiting for you,” Sr. Patricia said.

In her work with the poor in Australia, and with the indigenous and

the rural poor of the Philippines, Sr. Patricia has come to

understand more the expression: “When you approach another

people or culture, take off your shoes, because God was there

before you.” This lesson is an important one for each of us.

Emily Webb (nee Wood, Class on 1994)

Past Students’ Association Committee Member

Sr Patricia Fox nds

SIONIANS

Edition 15

We have been very happy here at the College to develop a heritage

room that enables students, staff and members of the extended

College community to view various displays showcasing the 84 year

history of our College. On October 23rd this room was officially

opened under the name ‘Heritage Room 1928’.

The name of the room draws attention to the proud tradition of this

College, founded in 1928 and thriving in 2012! The Heritage Room

1928 is open to students throughout the day, and all Year 7 classes

will visit the room as part of their introduction to College life.

Whenever we hold reunions at the College, Sandy Nicholson,

College Archivist, prepares displays in the room that showcase the

class of the reunion. These displays and the various temporary

exhibits that Sandy creates provide tribute to the thousands of

Daughters of Sion who have passed through the cherry red gates.

A simple ceremony marked the official opening of the Heritage

Room 1928. This ceremony was attended by various past students,

College staff and representatives of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.

Moira Spierings, daughter of Andree Marie Coutts (nee Dobson)

Class of 1940, also attended the opening of the Heritage Room

1928 on behalf of her mother who now lives in Horsham. Andree

first came to Notre Dame de Sion in 1930 as a five year old

Boarder. Moira was delighted to find two photos of her mother on

display!

In Sion firmata sum!

Official Opening of the Heritage Room 1928

SIONIANS

Sr. Kathleen Hourigan (Sr. Annunciata)

24th June 1940 - 27th September 2012

Sr. Kathleen Hourigan was born in Gippsland and was a country girl

through and through. She was one of seven children, her twin being her

brother Kevin. She first came in contact with Sion in the 1950's and truly

answered a call from deep within to commit herself to God within the

community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. The Word of God became

central to her life and she was professed in 1960 at Sale.

Sr. Kathleen became a qualified teacher, where her many skills

developed further. She loved her students and they reciprocated by

doing their best for her. She often assisted families in need. In the later

part of her working life she became a Personal Carer for the Elderly

whom she served with reverence and love. News of her goodness

circulated and the elderly began to ask specially for her.

Sr. Kathleen was a deeply caring and compassionate woman; strong-

willed, resilient, and independent. She was willing to share herself and

her gifts with anyone who crossed her path. Her legacy of love and

boundless energy used in dedicated service will be long remembered.

In her illness Sr. Kathleen was often heard to say “Thank God for

each day and let us live it fully; yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is

not yet.”

Sr. Theresa Condon (Sr. Carmel) 19th November 1917 - 7th December 2011

Sr. Theresa was born in 1917, one of five children of a farming

family at Jindervick near Warragul. She was one of thirteen

boarders at our College in Warragul in the late 1920's, and this

began her relationship with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.

Sr. Theresa was the first principal at St. Thomas' Primary School

in Sale. She loved her teaching and her pupils loved her fondly.

Sr. Theresa is remembered also for her great love and

commitment to the Congregation and the words of Fr. Theodore.

Sr. Theresa remembered with gratitude her time assisting in

the guest house at Ein Karem for its many blessings. On her

return to Australia, she took up parish ministry, tirelessly

visiting the sick and the shut-ins in the parish of Ascot Vale;

this commitment continued when she moved to Kew.

During retirement Sr. Theresa was still motivated to assist

others less fortunate than her. She found time to assist in the

sacristy, stamp groups for charity, and also clerical work for the

Centre for Jewish-Christian Relations at Kew. It was always in a

spirit of thankfulness that Sr. Theresa lived her life, and she

made and supported many friends.

Sr. Theresa often said she left her heart in Israel. We believe

she left a little of her heart with all people she served, wherever she was over the years of her life.

Sr. Shirley Sedawie (Sr. Callistus) OAM

23rd September 1924 - 31st December 2011

Sr. Shirley was born in Sydney and was formally admitted as a

Sister of Our Lady of Sion in 1946. In 1962, she went to Jerusalem

to study. When Sr. Shirley returned she founded the Centre for

Jewish-Christian Dialogue in Box Hill, and many senior students at

OLSC in Box Hill benefited from Sr. Shirley’s Biblical studies course.

Sr. Shirley majored in Semitic languages and Middle Eastern

thought, before completing her Master’s thesis on the topic `The

Beginning of the Conflict between Christian and Jews’. In 1978,

she joined an international team at the Centre for Jewish-

Christian Relations in Rome, and later became its director. Sr.

Shirley was responsible for the quarterly international

publication SIDIC that focused on the international progress of

Jewish-Christian dialogue; worked with the Vatican's

Department of Relations with Judaism and the Jewish People;

and lectured at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Sr. Shirley became one of the founders of the Council of Christians

and Jews in Victoria. She was made an honorary life member in

1995, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her

services ''to the promotion of interfaith relations and

understanding''. At the time, Archbishop Denis Hart wrote: ''You

have been a remarkable leader in the field of Catholic-Jewish

relations, bringing your warmth and welcome to the relationship.”

Sr. Shirley truly was an `interfaith beacon’.

Sr. Shirley also worked with the Victorian Council of Churches and

the Anglican Ecumenical Affairs Commission; befriended the

Aboriginal community at Dundarra and remained a staunch

supporter of the community for the rest of her life; and survivors of

the Shoah living in Melbourne found in her a trusted and lifelong

friend. Sr. Shirley’s life and work are an inspiration to us all.

Sr. Kathleen Keely (Sr. Margaret Theresa) 4th May 1920 - 16th July 2012

Sr. Kathleen Keely was born in Melbourne in 1920. In mid 1933 she

went to school at Our Lady of Sion in Sale; then was offered a

scholarship for her matriculation year at Our Lady of Sion in Box Hill.

She attended Melbourne University and was the youngest student

there at that time.

Sr. Kathleen was professed as a Sister of NDS in 1944. She was a

great educator, as many students of her literature classes would

testify. Sr. Kathleen loved beauty and truth - both were a

manifestation of God for her. Later in her life she worked with

Vietnamese migrants in Sale. Sr. Kathleen assisted them to make a

smooth transition to Australia. These connections and friendships

continued until her death.

Sr. Kathleen was a profound thinker and pondered deep Christological

questions and their implications for Jewish-Christian Relations. This

was expressed when she went to Rome to work at the International

Jewish-Christian Documentation Service; Sr. Kathleen thrived in the

atmosphere of theological stimulation.

Sr. Kathleen was first and foremost a woman of God. She held the

double command to love God and love neighbour closely in her heart.

Many people will remember her friendship and genuine interest in

them, and we give thanks to God for a gentle Sister whose life and

ministry were an encouragement to us all.

November 2012

Sr Shirley Sedawie

Sr Kathleen Hourigan

Sr Kathleen Keely

Sr Theresa Condon

SIONIANS

November 2012

Past students with any information on the above photos please contact:

Sandy Nicholson - snicholson@sion.catholic.edu.au

From the Archives

A big thank you to Jean Lonsdale (nee McEntee), Notre Dame de Sion

student No. 50, for sending photos, dates and names on a photo featured

in the Sionians, Edition 11.

1950s - Any information appreciated

1989 First Day of School, Assembly on Oval

Class of 1992 20 Year Reunion

On Saturday the 10th of November approximately 25 graduates of

the Class of 1992 returned to the College for their 20 year reunion.

This reunion was, in fact, the second reunion this year for this

class, but the first to be held here at the College. It was fantastic to

hear the laughter and happy reminiscing that took place as the

group took their tour of the school! I think everyone agreed that the

school looks fantastic and offers so many wonderful facilities for

the Daughters of Sion studying here today!

Thanks to Anna Pansino for organising this opportunity to visit the

College and take a stroll down memory lane! Thanks too to Sam

Clifford for coordinating the first reunion held for the Class of ’92

this year, which was a wonderful evening with lots of happy stories

and shared memories. Finally, thanks must also go to all of the

women who attended the reunion at the College and made

donations to the prize for this year’s Daughter of Sion award winner

– this impressive young lady will be announced at our annual Night

of Excellence.

1950s Reunion

Past students who attended the College during the 1950s came

together on November 24th for a tour of the College before heading

out to lunch to celebrate their 70th birthdays. Their stories were

thoroughly entertaining and their memories of Notre Dame de Sion

were very fond. Happy birthday to these wonderful women!

Next meeting of the Past Students’ Association

Tuesday 5th March, 2013 at 7.30pm

Our Lady of Sion College

All Past Students most welcome

Dear Sionians,

To ensure that you keep receiving information

from the College, please remember to update

your contact details regularly.

If you would prefer to receive the Sionians via

email, please contact Robyn McCann:

rmccann@sion.catholic.edu.au

Please remember, if you would like to hold a reunion at

the College, please contact Robyn McCann:

Phone 9098 9097 or

rmccann@sion.catholic.edu.au