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Iona Presentation College

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History and The Presentation Sisters

Founded on 11 September 1907, the College is named after the Scottish Isle of Iona. Five Presentation Sisters from Kildare, Ireland, followed a call in the 1900s that brought them to Western Australia.

Perth's first Bishop, Bishop Gibney, felt the Mosman Park site reminded him of the Isle of Iona in Scotland, where Irish Saint Columba (or Columcille) founded a community in 563AD. The Scottish Isle of Iona became a centre of learning from which Saint Columba set forth to spread the Gospel. Bishop Gibney hoped that the site in Perth would fulfill the same purpose.

The Presentation Sisters have continued to work throughout Western Australia, providing assistance, advice and other services to the needy, in the true spirit of Nano Nagle.

Founder of the Presentation Sisters, Nano devoted her life to the education of the poor girls in her hometown of Cork, Ireland. Carrying a lantern through the dark streets, she would visit the sick and needy within the community, offering hope and compassion. The lantern has become a symbol for the Presentation Sisters, representing her kindness and God's love for the poor.

Nano Nagle brought love, care and hope to the poor, neglected, old, sick and frail. She felt compelled to help those deprived of hope and meaning. She is remembered for her life of faith in the Gospel of Jesus and her commitment to children and to all who struggled for justice and love.

In 2017, the Presentation Sisters transferred the governance of Iona Presentation College to the Archbishop of Perth. It remains a priority for the Archdiocese and the College to preserve the tradition, charism and story of the Presentation Sisters that has transformed Iona from its humble beginnings to the highly sought-after Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 educational facility that it is today.

• A Catholic School. Pre K-12. Boys and Girls Pre K-6 | All Girls 7-12. Established in 1907 by the Congregation of Presentation Sisters (W.A.) Inc. As a Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) school, Iona Presentation College collects, stores, uses, and discloses your personal information in accordance with the CEWA Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection Notices you may find below.
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• Iona Presentation College implements the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
• Junior School Buckland Avenue Mosman Park Western Australia 6012
• Senior School 33 Palmerston Street Mosman Park Western Australia 6012
• Telephone: (08) 9384 0066 Email: [email protected] Web: www.iona.wa.edu.au

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Presentation Sisters, Society of Australian Congregations of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Presentation Sisters at Tardun, courtesy of Christian Brothers Institution Albums 1 & 2 (Holy Spirit Collection). Details

The Presentation Sisters were founded in 1775 in Ireland by Nano Nagle. Their website gives some history of the Presentation Sisters' work in Australia. They came first to Richmond in Tasmania in October 1866, to Victoria in 1873 and to New South Wales in 1874. In 1900, the Presentation Sisters went from NSW to the Western Australian goldfields and July 1891, another group came directly from Ireland to Geraldton.

The Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers have had some historical links because of the inspiration drawn by the founder of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice, from Nano Nagle's approach to religious life and work, and the practical support he gave to the establishment of their convent in Waterford, Ireland. In July 1941, four Presentation Sisters formed a community at St Mary's Christian Brothers' Farm School Tardun.

The Presentation Sisters kept a Community at Tardun until 1966.

In his book, Enduring Struggle , Tardun ex-student David Plowman writes (p.255) that the Sisters of Nazareth were the first females at Tardun and after them came the Presentation Sisters. These were Mother Laurence (Ryan) and Sisters Aidan Coady, Philomena Ryan and Patricia White. They were followed in 1942 by Sister Peter, Sister Benedict, Sister Evangelist, Sister Paschal, Sister Bridget and Sister Margaret Mary to help with the boys from Clontarf who were evacuated to Tardun. The Presentation Sisters were asked to take charge of 'the domestic arrangements in connection with the school, such as cooking, taking care of the sick, superintending laundry, clothes mending and the Chapel.' Professor Plowman also records (p.259) that the Sisters at Tardun led an 'uncomplicated life' enjoying simple recreations such as Sunday films, walks and concerts put on by the Tardun students. They had an annual holiday in December at Geraldton with other Presentation Sisters. Apparently, it was their habit to have a 'Sunday drive around the property and to neighbouring farms.'

In 1948, the Presentation Sisters also established a primary school at the Pallottine Mission at Tardun, a few kilometers from St Mary's Farm School.

Related Entries

Related organisations.

Presentation Sisters, Society of Australian Congregations of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary established a primary school at the Pallottine Mission, Tardun.

Date: 1948 - 1949

The Presentation Sisters came to Tardun Farm School when the Sisters of Nazareth left to work at Nazareth House in Geraldton.

The Presentation Sisters had a working community at Tardun.

Date: 1941 - 1966

Publications

• Plowman, David, Enduring Struggle , Scholastic Press Australia, Broadway, Nedlands, Western Australia, 2003. Details

Sources used to compile this entry: Plowman, David, Enduring Struggle , Scholastic Press Australia, Broadway, Nedlands, Western Australia, 2003.

Prepared by: Debra Rosser

Created: 16 March 2012

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Last updated: 17 October 2023 Cite this: https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/wa/biogs/WE00601b.htm First published by the Find & Connect Web Resource Project for the Commonwealth of Australia, 2011

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Presentation Sisters celebrate 110 years of service and dedication to Iona

13 june 2017.

The sisters of the Presentation Order with Archbishop Costelloe paying homage to the newly erected Nano Nagle statue in the Presentation Garden (photo by Natashya Fernandez).

On Friday 2 June, staff, students and distinguished guests gathered at Iona Presentation Primary School for a Thanksgiving Mass and Garden Blessing in celebration of the Presentation Sisters 110 years of service and dedication to Iona.

The morning was spent recognising the incredible presence the Sisters have had at the school for so many years, and thanking them for their unwavering support and dedication that has touched the lives of so many in the Iona school community.

Also recognised on the day was the founder of the Presentation Sisters, Nano Nagle, whose mission to bring light to the world was seen through her endless passion and commitment to helping the less fortunate, and whose message is lived on through the Sisters today and the values they have instilled in the students of Iona.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and concelebrated with Frs James D’Souza, Chris Ross and Rodrigo Ponte, with the blessing of a ‘Presentation’ Garden and abstract mosaic.

Archbishop Costelloe thanked the Presentation Sisters for the amazing contribution they have given with their presence not only to the school, but to the church in Western Australia.

“Today especially, we celebrate this Mass in which we have a chance to come closer to Jesus and, through him, closer to each other. To reflect on just how important the Presentation Sisters, and the spirit which animates them has been and continues to be for this school,” he said.

Catholic Education Western Australia joins Iona Presentation Primary School in thanking the Presentation Sisters as they hand over responsibility for the school to Archbishop Costelloe.

Presentation Sisters Western Australia Congregation Leader, Sr Kathleen Laffan, said that it was a privilege to be present at the Mass and celebrations.

“We are here today to celebrate the 110 years that we have journeyed together, Presentation Sisters, students, parents and the wider community. All in the footsteps of our found, Nano Nagle. “I hope the newly erected statue of Nano will be an inspiration to all students, staff and parents in the years ahead” she said.

Congregation leader of the Presentation Sisters in Western Australia, Sr Kathleen Laffan, with Archbishop Costelloe and Iona Presentation Primary School Principal Jennifer Anderson (photo by Natashya Fernandez).

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Presentation Sisters bid farewell to Iona Presentation Primary School

The sisters of the Presentation Order together with Archbishop Costelloe paying homage to the newly erected Nano Nagle statue in the Presentation Garden. Photo Natashya Fernandez.

By Natashya Fernandez

The Iona Presentation Primary School community last week came together to commemorate the handing over of the school to Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.

The handing over marks 110 years of responsibility for the school by the Presentation Sisters.

The occasion was marked with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and concelebrated with Frs James D’Souza, Chris Ross and Rodrigo Ponte, in addition to the blessing of a ‘Presentation’ Garden and abstract mosaic.

Archbishop Costelloe blessing the Presentation Garden and the Mosaic, an abstract image representing Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters. Photo Natashya Fernandez.

Archbishop Costelloe thanked the Presentation Sisters for the wonderful gift of their presence at the school over many years and the Church in Western Australia.

“I do want to say at the start, seeing that with so many of the sisters here today, we need to make a big fuss of them.

“To show them how grateful we are for all the wonderful gifts they have given, especially to this school, the big school up the road and also to our church in WA,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Special guests included Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) Director of School Improvement Dr Tony Curry, Principal of Iona Presentation College Mrs Anne Pitos, past Principals of Iona Primary Sr Maureen Moynihan and Ms Christine Walsh and representing the Iona Primary School Board, Mrs Simone Warden.

Principal Jennifer Anderson saved the best for last by introducing the Presentation Sisters who were central to the celebrations.   “I am most honoured to welcome Sr Kathleen Laffan, Congregation Leader of the Presentation Sisters in Western Australia and the many Presentation Sisters who have come to celebrate with us today,” she said.

Special acknowledgement was given to the traditional owners of the land and symbolic offerings were brought to the front by staff and students to honour Presentation Order founder, Nano Nagle.

It was a poignant day for many present at Iona Presentation Primary School, in particular the Presentation Sisters who after 110 years are handing over their responsibility for the school to Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. Photo Natashya Fernandez.

In his homily for the occasion, Archbishop Costelloe enlightened staff and students with historical information about the school and the founder of the Presentation Order, Nano Nagle, who is remembered for her faith, commitment and dedication for the poor and abandoned.

“It is a school full of dedicated and caring teachers and enthusiastic and joy-filled students and we have a wonderful history in this school which has been shaped so much by the Presentation Sisters,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“Today especially, as we celebrate this Mass in which we have a chance to come closer to Jesus and, through him, closer to each other. To reflect on just how important the Presentation Sisters, and the spirit which animates them has been and continues to be for this school,” he said.  

“When the Presentation Sisters decided to establish a school in this part of Perth they hoped that, like the island of Iona, the school would also be a place where people came to know and love Jesus and from where people, like all of you, would go out and, wherever you went, share the good news about the love of Jesus with everyone. 

“This desire to share the love of Jesus with others was exactly what Nano Nagle decided to do with her whole life. Because you are all part of the Presentation family, you too are called to carry the light of Jesus to others.

“Maybe you won’t have a lantern in your hands, but you can all carry the light of Jesus’ love in your hearts.  And when you carry it in your own hearts, you are able to give it as a gift to others.

“Be proud to be a member of the Presentation family, be grateful to the sisters who have kept this wonderful light alive in our Church for such a long time, be brave and strong in doing your part to keep Nano Nagle’s lantern burning.  And like Nano Nagle, let Jesus be the light of your lives too,” the Archbishop said.

Iona Primary School Board representative Simone Warden said she was blessed not only to be present to reflect on the life and legacy of Nano Nagle, but also to give thanks to the Presentation Sisters of WA.

“It is through their dedication and service to the community that we are all here today. That we can be in this remarkable place of learning,” Mrs Warden said.

“We are so fortunate to have the message of Nano being lived through the Presentation Sisters today - keeping it relevant and alive in the Iona school community and instilling these values in young presentation people now and into our future,” she said. Pastoral Carer and the only remaining religious sister at the primary school, Sr Catherine Warner, has been at the school for six years and a Presentation Sister for 49 years. 

Sr Catherine worked with the staff to make the day a memorable one for the community.

“It was a great day to acknowledge the contribution of the Sisters and their journey with the staff, students and parents.

I will continue in my role as Pastoral Carer at the school and use the Seasons for Growth Program to help children deal with grief and loss in their lives and to be a Presentation presence within the school,” Sr Catherine said.

Congregation Leader of the Presentation Sisters in Western Australia Sr Kathleen Laffan with Archbishop Costelloe and Iona Presentation Primary School Principal Jennifer Anderson participating in the celebrations. Photo Natashya Fernandez.

Presentation Sisters Western Australia Congregation Leader, Sr Kathleen Laffan, said that it was a privilege to be present at the Mass and celebrations.

“We are here today to celebrate the 110 years that we have journeyed together, presentation sisters, students, parents and the wider community. All in the footsteps of our found, Nano Nagle. “I hope the newly erected statue of Nano will be an inspiration to all students, staff and parents in the years ahead.

“Today as we hand over our presentation responsibility for the school to Archbishop Costelloe, we want to assure you students, parents and many friends that we will hold you in our hearts and prayers as we go forward.

“We have full confidence in you, the staff, that the message of Nano will remain alive and active, that you will continue to impart the message that God loves each of us no matter what the circumstances of life.

“May you with the support of the parents continue to help the students to see and live the value of service to others that Nano demonstrated in her life,” Sr Laffan concluded. 

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The Presentation Sisters

The society of australian congregations of the presentation of the blessed virgin mary (pbvm).

The Presentation Sisters were founded in 1775 by Nano Nagle to meet the needs of the poor in penal Ireland. Founded from Ireland, Presentation Sisters came to ‘the ends of the earth’ in Australia in 1866. Traditionally, Presentation Sisters in Australia have reached out to families in need through education in Primary Schools, Secondary Colleges and Tertiary Institutions.

Today Presentation Sisters and Associates are in every continent across our globe and work to address the ‘cry of the poor and the cry of the earth’ through a variety of social justice initiatives.

The Society of Australian Congregations of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM) is a federation of six autonomous Presentation Congregations in Australia and a group of Australian and Melanesian Presentation Sisters in Papua New Guinea.

Presentation Sisters are called to encounter God in the heart of the world and to continue the mission of Jesus in the spirit of our founder Nano Nagle. Like Nano we are called to keep our hearts open to the voices of those who are poor and oppressed, voices which challenge us to conversion and action both personally and communally.

For more information on the Presentation Sisters visit their website.

St Mary's College is located on the traditional lands of the muwinina people of the South East Nation. We acknowledge and deeply respect the palawa people, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, and all Elders past and present. We are committed to learning alongside our students and community in this place, nipaluna, and support the continued sharing of knowledge and culture.

“If I could be of service in  saving souls in any part of  the globe, I would gladly  do all in my power.”

~ nano nagle.