Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP congratulates Sergio Rosato
St Thomas Aquinas Primary Principal, Sergio Rosato was awarded a Papal Medal for his exemplary courage in evacuating his entire school during life-threatening bushfires in October 2013.
The Catholic Bishop of Parramatta, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presented the medal to Sergio at a ceremony held today on the one-year anniversary of the 2013 Blue Mountains bushfires.
In conferring the award, Archbishop Anthony Fisher acknowledged Sergio for remaining calm and dedicated, ensuring every child was accounted for and safely reunited with their families.
“This was despite his awareness that his own home had been destroyed,” said Archbishop Anthony Fisher. “The actions of Mr Sergio Rosato were heroic and exceptional.”
“He is a man of strong faith, strong moral principles and integrity, proactive member of his Parish.”
Archbishop Anthony Fisher conferred the Benemerenti medal on behalf of Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis has advised me that ‘in recognition of his singular service to the Christian life’ Mr Sergio Rosato is awarded the gold papal medal ‘Benemerenti’.”
The Benemerenti medal was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community.
The families of St Thomas Aquinas students and the community of Springwood gathered together today on the anniversary of the 2013 bushfires to offer prayers of thanksgiving and plant trees to honour the 50 staff who cared for the children during their evacuation last year.
Fifty trees were planted to commemorate the heroic efforts of staff at St Thomas Aquinas symbolising strength hope and new life. The parents of St Thomas Aquinas unveiled a plaque honouring the courageous actions of staff, ‘They bravely led our children to safety, and cared for them as their own’.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presented the school with a Certificate of Appreciation to the teachers and staff for their outstanding commitment to the children in their care that day and every day.
Led by Principal Sergio Rosato, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Springwood was forced to evacuate over 600 staff and students on 17 October 2013 as the bushfires threatened the school property. The students and staff walked calmly and bravely to safety to the Winmalee Shopping Centre despite some of their own homes being damaged or lost during the fires.
St Columba's student Madison Thompson named all the feelings the students had as witnesses to the terrible 2013 fires and responded with gratitude for those who helped each other.
“Today presents an opportunity to reflect on what this day has meant to us, perhaps revealed to us about ourselves or about others,” said Madison. “The extent of the damage is undeniable, but so too is the hope. That is what we should try to remember.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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From Facebook
We were delighted to welcome the Year 6 students and teachers from St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood yesterday to visit the St Columba's Art Prize exhibition. Our visitors engaged thoughtfully with the artworks, showing great respect and curiosity throughout. It was wonderful to hear the insightful questions being asked as students explored the exhibition. A special mention to Francesca, who shared a particularly perceptive observation about 'Mano Po', an artwork by a Year 11 student from Nagle College, Blacktown South . It is fantastic seeing students from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese connecting through art. Thank you to staff and students from Tommies for visiting - we loved having you!
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Thanks and thanks and ever thanks to the amazing crew at Belle Property Lower Blue Mountains - We LOVE having you as our Youth Prize Major Sponsor. Thank you for your generosity and genuine enthusiasm for the St Columba's Art Prize. We could not be more grateful!
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We have had a great start in Agriculture in Term 2. Our dairy cross calves for Penrith show have arrived. Students will be caring for them and preparing them for the show ring in August. On Friday we took a team of 13 students to the Hawkesbury Show for the cattle judging competition. Three Year 8 students made it into the speaking final, with some great results: Frank coming 1st, Emily 3rd and Seth 5th in the 11-14 years final. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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