Happy 50th to Liwara Catholic Primary School
09 September 2024
Liwara Catholic Primary School in Greenwood marked 50 years with a special ceremony and tour of the school attended by members of Catholic Education WA Executive, CECWA Chair, Eva Skira, neighbouring Principals, parents, and students both past and present.
Attendees were treated to a fantastic musical performance from the school’s award-winning choir and heard stories of how Liwara came to be.
Liwara was the first open plan designed school in Western Australia, and it was remarked the school is older than both the Dockers and the Eagles and has existed as long as Post-it Notes.
CEWA’s Executive Director, Wayne Bull said:
“Reading the history, I was taken that one of the first things done was to establish a strong Parents and Friends Group at the school. To all the countless mums and dads who have contributed over the last 50 years – thank you.
“I take this opportunity to acknowledge all the staff who have worked here over the last 50 years, and I wish you every success this year, and for many years to come. Happy birthday!”
“To our students, you are the heart and soul of this school. You remind us daily of the importance of what we do and inspire us to strive for excellence in all that we undertake.”
Principal, Andrea Millar
Liwara’s Foundation Principal, Sr Leonie O’Brien, prepared a speech which was read by Mrs Genevieve Rose, a past teacher, parent and now proud grandparent at Liwara:
“I was very excited to have the chance to establish Liwara…It was important to be that the school developed a strong community spirit. Everyone wanted to help, which made my job as Principal much easier.”
Sr Leonie noted that society should benefit from a Catholic school and put this as a challenge to current students, remarking that the spirit of the school community is alive and well.
Principal, Andrea Millar said:
“Fifty years ago, our school was founded with a vision to provide a nurturing environment to our students. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our founders and past Principals for their contribution.
“Your legacies are the foundations on which we continue to build, and your contributions have left an indelible mark on our history.
“To our dedicated teachers and staff, both past and present, thank you. Your commitment to nurturing young minds, your patience and your enthusiasm have been instrumental in shaping generations of students. You have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled values, inspiring students to reach for the stars and to never stop learning.
“To our students, you are the heart and soul of this school. You remind us daily of the importance of what we do and inspire us to strive for excellence in all that we undertake.”
“We have a great legacy of growth, achievements, and community spirit to celebrate.”
A team of steadfast local historians prepared an outstanding display in the Sr Leonie O’Brien Resource Centre – an incomparable feat not to be missed! Natalie Regan, a foundation student who had the vision, worked with Genevieve Rose for months gathering photographs and archived items to display.
The beautiful displays capture every aspect of life at Liwara over the past 50 years from early photographs, school uniforms, to year books and more. The treasured items cover it all and were a great conversation starter for past and present community members.
The day’s festivities also included a morning tea, tour of the school and afternoon entertainment from the Mucky Duck Bush Band.
