WelCom February/March 2025
Sue Seconi
A beautifully coloured korowai was gifted to Sr Marie Skidmore rsj for her commitment, faith and wisdom contributed to Catholic Education for almost six decades. The presentation took place at Cullinane College’s senior prize-giving celebrations last November.
Board member and kuia from Kaiwhaiki, Francis Huwyler (nee Simon), presented the korowai on behalf of the Board of Trustees and school community, as applause filled the gymnasium. A korowai gifted symbolises the embodiment of responsibilities attached to leadership.
‘I was overwhelmed,’ said Sr Marie.
Since the Sisters of St Joseph arrived in Whanganui in 1880, some 250 Sisters have taught in the Catholic schools through the years, established mainly in the Palmerston North Diocese.
‘I felt I was standing upon many shoulders when I received this gift. It was for us all,’ she said. ‘It will be a truly beautiful and significant treasure shared.’
When she resigned from the Cullinane Board in early 2024 as a Proprietor’s Representative, Sr Marie bought to a close, her nearly 59 years of responsibilities in education, including being principal of Sacred Heart College from 1978 to 1985.
The korowai gifted to Sr Marie expressed with gratitude her mana and the prestige the college places on her.