Staff in Focus

Q &A with Education Assistance Sister Cecily

Sister Cecily grew up in a small South Indian town called Tamilnadu, which is famed for its Hindu temples. She was a teacher at St Mary’s School in West Bengal before moving to WA in 2018 where she settled first in Narrogin, working with people with disabilities. Sr Cecily volunteered at the local Narrogin school and after moving to Perth worked at St Kieran’s School and Corpus Christi before joining St Norbert College at the start of this year. Sr Cecily was raised during her secondary school years by an aunt and uncle who didn’t have children of their own. She has a brother and two sisters – one who is a religious sister in her congregation – and is an aunty to her other sister’s two children.

Why did you decide to become a nun?

In my town Servite Sisters were doing lots of social work for the betterment of our people and I was fascinated about their life and service. It inspired me to want to be a social worker and during my school holidays spent at the convent I helped the Sisters visit people. This was my inspiration and I joined the Servite Sisters in 2000. My religious profession as a Sister began in 2004 in South India where I commenced my studies, which took seven years. I did an undergraduate Bachelor in Arts – History in Fatima College, post-graduate Master in Arts - History at Madras Christian College, a Bachelor of Education in Thogaimalai and studied multiple disabilities at Madras University.

What further studies and/or preparation was involved in becoming a nun? 

Our first year involves joining as a candidate and learning the prayers and ways of the Servite Sisters’ charism and spirit. In the second year, Canonical at this time, we have spiritual, personal growth and lessons with leaders in the Catholic Church arranged by the Servite Sisters. This trains us to know ourselves and how to overcome and develop our inner strength, through a resource person from outside the Servite Sisters. This gives us exposure to the community and prepares us for the third year. Novice is the final year to become a nun. We visit people and work with people, such as farmers in the fields. Sometimes we earn money and this is shared within the novices. 

What motivated you to work in a school? 

The Servite Sisters in India provide, and emphasise the importance of, education for women. We have many schools for girls - and in the early days, girls were not allowed to study in society. Though young children, we can easily reach out and share knowledge to them. This lets children develop skills that are important. We want to give skills to the next generations to change the social landscape of India and then the world.

What does a typical day at St Norbert College consist of for you?

Working here is a great privilege and honour. My days are filled with laughter and the sharing of knowledge to the students. I see a different side of the students when I supervise during break times - this is when I see them relaxed. Typically my day starts with homeroom checks and preparation for the day ahead, then I have a timetable to follow. The thing that I find so rewarding as an EA is that you never know what assistance you will need to give. It can involve one-to-one with a student or with various students in each classroom. The dynamics are never the same from day to day. This makes learning so enjoyable.

Looking back over first term, what have you enjoyed the most?

I feel very happy and welcomed in the St Norbert community. I especially like working with high school-age students. I find the conversation and discussions so enjoyable. It is the difference to other roles I have undertaken that I am finding so fulfilling. I am being challenged in new ways and this is so pleasing to me. 

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the College?

The Servite Sisters are a family and we do everything together; visiting sick people, taking sacramental classes in Queen of Apostle Parish, and St Mary’s Leederville Parish. We have a community prayer in the morning and evenings and we do work, such as cleaning, gardening and cooking in turn.

How do you celebrate Easter?

All my Sisters and I went to a retreat last month to begin our meaningful preparation for the Easter celebration, through overcoming our ego, everything let go of, fasting of meal skipping, doing penance – reconciling in order to celebrate the Easter in a meaningful way.

What is your Easter message for the College community?

Easter remind us of the love of a perfect God for flawed mankind. Jesus Christ died on the cross, He was buried and on the third day, He rose again to bring hope to the world. As you celebrate this wonderful holiday remember that Christ gave His life for us willingly and unconditionally and we should extend the same love to family, friends and others around us. God bless you. Happy Easter to All!

Mrs L Quartermain 

(Community Relations)