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| Sr M Xaveria & an unamed pupil |
This is another picture from the 1979 yearbook.
The piano teacher is Sister Mary Xaveria. Sister Xaveria taught in various Presentation Schools across Newfoundland. I am not certain of dates but I know it was the early 1950s when Sr Xaveria was a classroom teacher at St Patrick's old school.
Some of you will remember "The Passage" connecting the Deanery Avenue School with the really old classrooms above the Auditorium. Sr Xaveria taught Grade 10 in one of those classrooms. Mother Berchmans taught Grade 9 up there and Sr Imelda taught the Commercial Class in one of those classrooms. Graduates of Sr Imelda's Commercial Class were highly sought after by St John's firms. This is all from my memory so if I err, please someone, set me straight.
Sr Xaveria's family name was Fardy. She was an Aunt of that great St Bon's sportsman, Hugh Fardy. In the 1970s Sister retired to St Patrick's. I say "retired" but I don't think Nuns ever "retired". They just kept on working until the Good Lord decided otherwise. Anyway, Sr Xaveria then taught piano to a whole new generation of Westenders.
Unfortunately, I do not know the name of that cute looking little piano student. I hope someone out there will be able to help me with that. Also, any other memories of Sr Xaveria, the old classrooms above the Auditorium, or any of the Sisters mentioned here would be appreciated.