MMPS Factions Crests
Representing the History and Virtues of the founding Sisters of Mary’s Mount Primary School
In the lead up to our 100th Year celebrations in 2021, it was an opportune time to modernise the MMPS faction crests whilst particularly highlighting the contribution of each of the four prominent Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition.
The MMPS faction houses were named after each of these founding sisters of Mary’s Mount Boys College (as it was known as nearly a hundred years ago).
Our faction crests perfectly represent the history and virtues of the founding Sisters of Mary’s Mount Primary School and recognise the tremendous contribution that Sr Walsh, Sr McKenna, Sr Nicholson and Sr Fraser have made to our school and acknowledge the legacy of their inspirational work which continues to flourish today.
Walsh
The Walsh crest is a commemoration to Sister Emilie Walsh. Sr Emilie came from a very holy family. She was one of 4 children from her family to have entered into a life committed to God. In 1899, Sr Emilie Walsh joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition and by 1921, she was appointed as the sister in charge of Mary’s Mount Boy’s College in the locality of Kalamunda.
The symbols used on the Walsh crest are a sun, a mortar board and a Bible. The sun is representative of her dynamic, bright and warm nature which was an attribute loved by Sr Emilie Walsh’s students and parents of the school. The mortar board is indicative of her academic leadership in the new boys boarding school with her appointment as a sister in charge, and the Bible represents Sr Emilie Walsh’s commitment to God from a young age to her death in 1960.
“Dedication” is the motto given to Walsh as this truly defines the approach of Sr Emilie in her endeavour to create a flourishing school.
McKenna
The McKenna faction honours Sister Pius McKenna who was a missionary work volunteer before becoming a Sister of St Joseph of the Apparition in Fremantle in 1916.
She was sent to Mary’s Mount in 1925 as a teacher, then became the sister-in-charge of the St Emilie de Vialar convent which was located on Kalamunda Road, just at the base of where Davies Crescent now meets the main road.
A handprint with a prominent embossed heart, a pile of books and an outline of Sister Pius McKenna are the symbols incorporated on the new McKenna crest. The handprint symbolises the practical work that Sr Pius carried out to take care of the boarding children, especially those whose fathers were at war and whose mothers were working. Sr Pius McKenna was not afraid to get her hands dirty and in doing so, she imprinted love on her students. The books represent her excellence as a teacher and the outline of Sr McKenna emphasises her prominence as a loved pioneer of the school.
“Perseverance” is the motto given to McKenna. Sr Pius McKenna was persistent in assisting the most vulnerable boys of the College and she was ever-determined to confront the government bureaucrats to have accommodation resources approved for their needs.
N
icholson
The new Nicholson crest recognises Sister Carmel Nicholson’s contributions at Mary’s Mount Boy’s College. Sr Carmel joined the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition congregation in 1916, remaining at the school until 1938, then returning to teach at the college again in 1953.
The symbols used to represent the characteristics and gifts of Sr Carmel Nicholson are the Christian Ichthys, or fish-shaped symbol, a cross and musical notes. The fish symbol which depicts Christian commitment, is indicative of Sr Nicholson’s prayerful life. She spent much of her time in worship in the chapel and was known to regularly pray for others ahead of her own needs. The cross signifies the responsibility Sr Nicholson assumed as the Mistress of Novices. This means that she was in charge of the young girls who wanted to become sisters themselves and she was known to be extremely passionate about this role. Musical notes at the bottom of the crest signify her contribution to the student’s love of music at Mary’s Mount. She taught music lessons for most of her time at the College and was highly enthusiastic about this discipline.
“Leadership” is the motto given to Nicholson as this clearly describes Sr Nicholson’s prominent quality in guiding and influencing impressionable young Christian mentees.
Fraser
The updated Fraser crest commemorates Sister Patrick Fraser who joined the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition in 1899. Her first teaching experience was at congregation schools in Fremantle before she was requested to be a foundational member of the Mary’s Mount Boys College when it opened in Kalamunda in 1921.
Interconnected jigsaw pieces, joined hands and a heart on fire are the three symbols used on the Fraser crest. The three jigsaw pieces represent Sr Partick Fraser’s connection to the new school community. She was well-focused on ensuring close triad relationships with her pupils, their parents and her fellow religious colleagues. The joined hands also depict her gentleness and approachability. She was a well-liked teacher who had no hesitation in reaching out to students who needed the most love and compassion. The heart with flames symbolises the unwavering, beaming love for the students and the school which filled Sr Fraser’s heart right up until the time she passed away in 1957.
“Vitality” is the motto chosen for Fraser as this characterises the person that Sr Fraser was. She was friendly, energetic and had a wonderful sense of humour that was loved by all.
