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| This page was last updated on 2ist March 2008
When in Christchurch, Margo met some of Melania's former pupils there. With the link up which was made subsequently, letters and Christmas cards were exchanged. Some extracts from the New Zealanders' replies, those of John and Margaret Perera, follow here. Melania remembers John as "one of our staunchest supporters from the beginning, helping us by making equipment for a reading readiness programme and material for reading group work." Thanks Melania for sharing these with us. Dear Sister, What a long time since you left New Zealand and we thank you for remembering us in this far away clime. From time to time I tune into your Order's Newsletter on computer and learn of your Sisters and never forget your influence and guidance on our children and the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima so many years ago. Those days are so much treasured seen in retrospect. Thank you... We have been at the above address just on 60 years since we married, are are the only original residents of this , then a new area... In our parish there has been much progress and many changes but only we pioneers can fully see it. You'll recall Frs. Peter and Kevin Head ( past pupils of Innes Road School and each a Marist), now in the North Island. Fr Carl Telford is now head of St. Mary's parish in the city. We don't have any contact with the parish school, of dear memory I'm sure,...haven't seen the playgrounds more than twice since you were around. Remember the old bike sheds, mostly replaced, I believe, and there's a big new library somewhere there, servicing a very full roll, now into about the third generation. Margaret and I have a very clear recollection of time past, the fundraising Fetes and Fairs, the potato harvests, the battle with dear Fr. "Willie" (Parish Priest) about girls' long First Communion socks in the middle of winter. Sorry, Sister, if I ramble on, but it seems precious to recall those happy days long ago even with trials and tribulations of the times. Srs. Cora and Deirdre call in home here frequently and we have long chats. They are so busy those two; lovely to have them in the neighbourhood and always to get a plate of Deirdre's home-baked goodies. Your dear convent, Innes Road, still there grand and gracious, and will be for another 100 years or so I guess. How lovely and serene that holy Chapel. I well recall those times when I was privileged to be called in to assemble beds etc., sometimes at night. It's been nice to have a chat with you....Best and blessed wishes, John Perera. (From John's wife): Our meeting with Sister Margo was extra special, knowing she would pass on our special greeting to any of our original Sisters who were alive in Dublin. You will be interested to know about your two former pupils whom you greeted on their first day at school (there follows marriage and career details). Their Holy Faith education proved very productive indeed. We, as parents, are very grateful to you wonderful Sisters who crossed the globe to give our girls such a productive education. Greeting to all your Holy Faith Sisters. Precious memories. God bless from Margaret.
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