In 1906, our School community gathered at St Andrew’s Cathedral on the 24th Sunday after Trinity for the Jubilee of St Catherine’s Clergy Daughters’ School. It had been 50 years since Mrs Jane Barker, wife of Sydney’s second Bishop, had established a school for girls, believing they deserved the same quality of education available to boys at the time. From its beginnings with just three students, the School had grown to 48 girls by 1906, when students, staff, alumni and friends of the School came together to celebrate this significant milestone.
Last night, 120 years later, a similar gathering took place, this time in our Chapel, as the St Catherine’s community marked 170 years with a Service of Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Traditions such as these matter. They connect us across generations, foster a shared sense of belonging and remind us of the people and values that have shaped our community. Whether we come to gratitude from a place of faith or simply from an appreciation of life’s gifts, gratitude grounds us. It reminds us that we are not alone and draws our attention to the people and blessings that sustain us each day.
The service reflected both the rich history of St Catherine’s and the vibrant faith that continues to be expressed across the School today. This was beautifully captured in the video montage, 170 Years of Gratitude for God’s Goodness, which reflected on the School’s history and the many ways God’s faithfulness has been evident throughout its life.
As it has been at previous services throughout our history, music played a central role in the celebration. The Junior School Choir opened the service with Alleluia, while the Senior Choir led much-loved hymns including the School Hymn, Immortal, Invisible, as well as In Christ Alone and Be Thou My Vision. The evening concluded with a moving performance of John Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You, sung by the Senior Choir.
It was also wonderful to see members of our community, past and present, participating in the service. Head Girl Ginger Campbell led proceedings, while Georgina (STC2025) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country. Prayers were led by Chair of Council Rev Marcelo Morbelli, Head of Junior School Ms Ruth Adams, and current Junior School student Rose Upfold.
Bible readings were given by current parent Mrs Catherine Hufton, who read from Psalm 145, and alumni Mrs Janice Dalton (STC1969), who shared the second reading from Colossians 1:27-2:10, a passage that includes the School motto: “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
In his sermon, The Right Reverend Dr Michael Stead reflected on these words, reminding those gathered that the School’s greatest treasure is not found in its buildings, traditions or achievements, but in Christ.
“The greatest treasure of the School is found in Christ. Seek the one in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; live lives in him, overflowing with thankfulness.”
His message echoed the theme that ran throughout the service: gratitude. Gratitude for the generations of students who have walked through our gates, for the staff who have guided and inspired them, for the families who have entrusted their daughters to our care, and for God’s enduring faithfulness through every chapter of our history.
As we celebrate our 170th year, we do so with deep gratitude for the past and great confidence in the future. Above all, we give thanks for the strong foundation upon which St Catherine’s was built and for the values that continue to shape our community today. One generation continues to commend God’s works to another, and so we look ahead with hope, purpose and thanksgiving for all that lies ahead.
