There was a sense of homecoming at St Andrew’s Primary Marayong as the community gathered for a whole‑school Mass celebrating the school’s 60th anniversary in March.
The Mass was led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and concelebrated by Monsignor Ron McFarlane, the former parish priest of 33 years, current Parish Priest Fr Kevin Redmond, and Assistant Priest Fr Floyd Gatana.
The celebration brought together past and present members of the St Andrew’s community, including the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth who founded the school in 1965, former principals, staff, parishioners, families and friends.
“This was more than a milestone, it was a moment of deep gratitude for the people, prayers and faith that have shaped St Andrew’s for 60 years,” said Acting Principal Mrs Annemarie Bond.
With many students and their families playing a special part in the liturgy, the celebration reflected the school’s deep connection to the Marayong community, with some families now in their third generation.
Few embody that more than the Cruickshank–Spurtacz family. Year 3 teacher, Mrs Janine Spurtacz, who first walked through the school gates as a kindergarten student in 1975, reflected on her family’s legacy.
Those with a deep connection to the school are, from left, Anne King, her mother Margaret Ingrey, Sarah McFarlane and her son Lucas McFarlane. Image: Supplied
“For nearly 50 years, there has always been a Cruickshank at St Andrew’s. This school is part of our family’s DNA,” she said. “When I returned as a teacher in 1999, it felt like coming home. The same community that welcomed me in kindergarten was still here, still loving, still St Andrew’s.”
For Mrs Anne King, whose family joined the school in the 1960s and who now serves as the Enrolment Officer, it is the enduring St Andrew’s spirit of care that means so much to her.
“I have had many wonderful years at St Andrew’s and have always classed it as my safe haven in my times of personal turmoil and family illness, including my own health battles; I have not known another place like it,” Mrs King said. “When my working time is done I will be leaving a huge chunk of my life behind. I feel blessed to have travelled this journey.”
In his address to the community, Jack de Groot, Chief Executive Officer for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), honoured the school’s founding story and service to the community.
“Sixty years of families have walked through these doors, and that is something truly worth celebrating,” Mr de Groot said. “A living tradition of faith, learning and service that stretches across generations.”
Although wet weather postponed the planned family picnic, guests gathered over light refreshments and wandered through displays of photos, archives and memorabilia.
The celebrations continued with a students‑only fun day, which saw the playground transformed into a joyful maze of inflatables and obstacle courses. Laughter, colour and community spirit filled the school grounds – a fitting tribute to the generations of children who have called St Andrew’s home.
