This afternoon we celebrated the incredible contribution of Sr Jenny to our Joey’s community. Below are the words dedicated to her on behalf of our staff, we will all miss you Sr Jenny.

"Sister Jenny Scari RSJ has worked tirelessly for over 40 years in Catholic Education, with the last 20 years as a Pastoral Worker at St Joseph’s Tobruk Memorial School, Beenleigh. She has embodied the true spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop through her humility and generosity of spirit.

Sister Jenny is small in stature, but her heart is huge. Her calm presence and openness allows others to freely voice their concerns. She has a true passion for helping people and building community spirit.

Over the years she has been the listening ear to many students, staff and the wider school community. She has built strong relationships with families welcoming them in the morning and afternoon, introducing families to one another and just being there if someone wanted a quiet word. She also instigated the weekly morning ‘cuppa’ to build community, allowing parents to connect with one another. This has become a school tradition. Families know that she always has time to listen to their worries and that in times of hardship will lend a supporting hand whether it be through the ‘Providence Bag’ or helping them contact outside agencies. She has been invited to their homes to sit and pray with the sick or dying and has also celebrated their joys.

The wellbeing of staff was high on her list of priorities. Jenny became a shoulder to cry on, a keeper of burdens, a person of influence willing to share ideas and provide feedback concerning the wellbeing of our students. She educated us on the Mackillop traditions and was a fine example of “never seeing a need without doing something about it”.

During her time she has run student support groups around grief, social skill programs with Preps, helped at peer mediation workshops, acted as a support person for PB4L students, run the second-hand uniform shop, and provided first aid during break times. She has listened to and encouraged many students who would seek her out daily to talk about friendships and other issues. Without doubt she was the most valued member of our staff.

As she now enters retirement, Sister Jenny will be remembered as a true role model, inspiring hope amongst community. Her genuine warmth and sense of humour has endeared her to all. Our community is stronger, faithful, and hope-filled because of her grace and presence.

We wish Sister Jenny life’s endless blessings."



​​