2 December 2019

Among staff farewelled from Catholic schools during 2019, Jacinta Cousins, Kath Rooney and Ann-Maree Manson-Petherick have been fondly acknowledged for their outstanding contributions, leadership and long service.

Ann-Maree Manson-Petherick

A farewell liturgy was held in July for Ann-Maree Manson-Petherick, who has been the dedicated principal at St Joseph’s School, Taihape, for 10 years. When Ann-Maree first arrived, the school was on temporary premises for relocation, because the previous school was in a slip zone. The premises were then made permanent so the school could set about developing the grounds, including adding a condor to a playground shifted from the old premises. The hall was relocated and over the years, other buildings were relocated to develop the school. Drainage and concreting were also completed, alongside the planting of gardens and trees.

Ann-Maree has been a very committed and active member of St Mary’s Church, Taihape. She has led the school in service and prayer and has always been willing to do whatever is needed to support those within her care at the school. We wish Ann-Maree well in her new position as Principal of St Anne’s School, Whanganui.

Words and photo from Julie Barnett, DRS, St Joseph’s School, Taihape.

Kath Rooney

Our Lady of Lourdes School

Farewelled this year from Our Lady of Lourdes School in Palmerston North, after working in the school office for 42 year was Kath Rooney. In August Teresa Edwards, Manager, Catholic Education Office for Palmerston North Diocese, presented Kath with an outstanding-service certificate. Kath has also previously received a papal award. Kath was acknowledged for her ‘amazing contributions and longstanding service to the school community.

Jacinta Cousins

Also farewelled from Our Lady of Lourdes School earlier this year was Jacinta Cousins who retired after 32 years at the school. Board of Trustees Chair, Kathleen Palenski, said, ‘We bid farewell to our principal, teacher and mentor to our school and community. As a school community we recognise, respect and appreciate all the valuable skills she has imparted to our lifelong learners and will remember her for all her efforts and hard work. She will always share a place in our hearts.

‘Jacinta started as a part-time teacher in 1987. Over the years she has held the positions of director of religious studies, deputy principal and in 1996 she was appointed as principal. She has worked at the school for most of her teaching career for all but five years.

‘Jacinta has embraced school and parish liturgies taking an active part with music, being a Eucharist minister and being present at many of the school children’s Baptisms, First Communions and First Reconciliations.

‘Her influence on the students and staff she has taught and mentored will be showing rewards for years to come for our school and parish community.’

Published in WelCom December 2019