Stars Football Academy Annual 2019

LEGACY
THE LEGACY of Cornellia Connelly is seen
across the globe with over 40 countries housing
schools founded on the principles of the Society
of the Holy Child Jesus.
These values reflect modernity of thought and
education for all - she was one of the first people
to teach girls Latin and Greek in the 19th
Century and fostered an environment of care.
Her students thrived with exposure to the Arts
through differing media and performances were
common place at the campus.
Ultimately her life was
particularly sad as she
was subject to a lengthy
court case with her husband
removing her children
from her care under
antiquated chattel rules.
The case reached papal
levels of intervention and
was of huge interest in
the mid 19th Century.
Interestingsly Corenllia also had a huge sporting
legacy insisting that the young ladies in her care
undertook regular and meaningful exercise.
They had a crack field hockey team as you can
see form the picture below and when the first
voluntary inspections of girls boarding schools
took place during the 19th Centruy the inspectors
remarked on the rarity of this approach to
physical educaiton and complimented Cornelias
philosophy.
In essence she was a pioneer in many ways and
this was mainly caused
by the pain she endured
in losing contact
with her children.
In typical fashion she
turned this into a positive
for those around
her and ensured a modern
approach to education
and pastoral
care. Our hope is to
continue that legacy of
forward thinking & care
Records indicate this is Cornelia Connelly and students painting a mural in school Hall