MARY MacKillop Memorial School received a visit from Adelaide pen pal school Mary MacKillop College this month as they discovered the rich history and life of Saint Mary MacKillop’s home town.
It was the first visit to Penola for the college and teacher Jeanene Corbo said the trip was highly beneficial.
“We were very excited to visit the school and area as it was our first time,” Ms Corbo said.
The college not only visited the school, but also toured the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre to discover more about the saint’s humble beginnings.
“We have enjoyed our time in the town as the school has been very hospitable and welcoming and our trip was designed to walk in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop in Penola,” Ms Corbo said.
She said they hoped to return and again visit the students at Mary MacKillop Memorial School.
The two schools have been exchanging letters through the year in an effort to revamp the art of letter writing.
Mary MacKillop Memorial School principal Maureen Hanrahan said her students had their eyes opened to the Adelaide college and in turn the college visitors had learnt a lot about May MacKillop’s background.
“The students have enjoyed having an older mentor looking over their work and assisting them with activities,” Ms Hanrahan said.
She said the pen pals were also beneficial for bringing back the art of letter writing and students were excitement when waiting for their mail.
“Having book week has topped their visit off and the college was able to gain a deeper insight into the students’ individual personalities,” Ms Hanrahan said.
