Published by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (19 March 2022)
A special combined school celebration for the Feast of St Joseph was held between the school communities of St Joseph’s Primary School, Coraki, and St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville.
Through adversity and sadness, the school communities of St Joseph’s Primary School, Coraki, and St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville, came together in a celebration of healing in a special combined school celebration of the Feast Day of St Joseph.
For a number of weeks following the recent flooding, the community of St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville, warmly welcomed the students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Coraki, while their school was inaccessible. The fantastic staff and students of Alstonville showed strength and compassion toward their guests by organising school bags for students, care packs for staff, setting up learning spaces and providing delicious food and snacks to over 50 students and staff.
‘When we work together, we can achieve a great deal. These weeks were a living example of Jesus in action,’ said Principal Therese Seymour.
Families joined in celebrating the Feast Day of St Joseph with a shared Mass led by Fr Max Gow, who engaged both communities with a wonderful homily. The hall was filled with the delightful singing of students that made the Mass more beautiful and meaningful - followed by shared activities and a surprise visit from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), who had been helping with the cleanup effort in Coraki.
The students relished the opportunity to explore the ADF Bushmaster truck and learn how they changed the 200kg tyre.
‘We all enjoyed listening to the stories about the places that they have toured,’ said Stage 3 student Eric.
The students were thrilled to be able to spend time with one of the ADF members in a small group and ask questions about their experiences.
‘They even gave us some sports equipment which was really nice as we didn’t have any equipment left at school,’ said Stage 3 student Ruby.
St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville, showed remarkable generosity toward their guests, especially the students who took it upon themselves to engage and welcome the Coraki students by inviting them to games on the playground or by simply sitting with them take to make the school day special.