SALE’S historic Sion building was open to the public at the weekend, as the school continued to celebrate the 130-year anniversary since the first Sisters of Sion arrived in Sale with a mission to establish Catholic education.
Catholic College Sale teachers and volunteers hosted almost 300 guests on guided community tours around the former convent on Sunday.
The event was popular with former students and also people in the community who had admired the building from afar and took the opportunity to get a look inside.
Principal Chris Randell said the Sion community tours completed a series of events hosted by the school to honour the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and their contribution to education across the region.
“The Sisters started teaching in Sale in 1891,” Mr Randell said.
“Mother Raphaela was chosen to lead the group – she designed the Sion building and grounds.
“The local community and the Sisters of Sion all around the world were so supportive of her plans, that by the time the magnificent building opened in 1895 it was paid for.”
Although classes ceased at Sion at the end of last year, Mr Randell said Catholic College Sale was forever grateful for the contribution made by the Sisters of Sion and the gift of the Sion Charism, and would continue to honour the legacy of the school’s founders as an important part of the College’s culture.
The school will hand over the Sion school site to the Catholic Diocese on May 31.
The Sion building is historically protected by the National Trust of Australia and Register of the National Estate, as well as Wellington Shire heritage overlays.
