Congratulations to Sister Elizabeth Sherry on 70 years of Profession

This year Sister Elizabeth Sherry celebrates 70 years of service within Nga Whaea Atawhai of Aotearoa, the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand. This is a rare and significant achievement for this very humble woman.

Sister Elizabeth traveled to Christchurch on 5 May to celebrate this milestone with the Sisters of Mercy at the new Te Manawa Atawhai Catherine McAuley Centre on the site of Villa Maria College. Prior to this celebration,  the Roncalli  Head students and I visited Sister on behalf of the College to extend our congratulations and appreciation to her for all she has done and continues to do for us.

Back in 2005 Sister Elizabeth's teaching career was recognised when she was presented with the prestigious Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice medal (for the Church and the Pope). This was in recognition of 55 years as an "outstanding teacher in Catholic primary schools throughout the Canterbury Diocese".

Sister Elizabeth was Principal at All Hallows School in Geraldine before moving Timaru in 1967 where she served as Principal of Sacred Heart Primary School from 1967 to 1992. The citation referred to Sister Elizabeth as "an outstanding administrator, a wise counsellor, gentle yet firm in discipline concerning her students, a gifted teacher and support for parents. She exemplified the best in the religious teaching mission of the Sisters of Mercy".

Thirteen years on since this citation and Sister Elizabeth continues to teach on a one to one basis for our students here at Roncalli College, because in Sisters own words, "I love teaching".

Sister Elizabeth is a truly inspirational woman who lives in the service of God and others.

               He aroha whakato, he aroha puta mai - If kindness is sown then kindness you shall receive