The women ensuring St Ita's history will not be lost include (from left) Monica Hanrahan, Kathleen Lawler, Joan Wells, Sylvia Mellish, Pam Dolan, Carmel Tyson, Helene Dolan and son Mathew, and Denise Ferris. She has enjoyed listening to stories told at Catholic Women’s League meetings and connecting the dots between families in the town. St Ita’s Catholic school in Rakaia operated from 1912 until 1985 and past pupils include Ashburton mayor Neil Brown and his siblings. Sylvia said thousands of students had passed through the Catholic school and were making their way in the world. She is hoping some of them will get in touch to become part of the brick history.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 22, 2021 03:00 UTC