House Leader:  Mr. Jamie Di-lenno

History:

Penola House is named in honour of the small township of Penola in South Australia where Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop started her first school, named St Joseph’s School. The little school opened on the Feast of Saint Joseph, 19 March 1866. Penola was also the place where Mary accepted Fr Woods’ invitation to become the first Sister of St Joseph. In this welcoming community, Mary found friendship and hospitality. She taught all children in the Penola region; however, it was Aboriginal children to whom she gave particular attention. The dream of an education that was available to all children was embraced by Mary’s sisters Annie and Lexie, who taught classes in the Penola church and part of their rented cottage. Later their brother John transformed a disused stable into a schoolhouse, so that on the Feast of St Joseph, 19 March 1866 the school opened. It was at Penola that Mary MacKillop, Fr Tenison Woods and others nurtured a vision for Catholic education that was inclusive, where all were respected and everyone experienced hospitality.

Today the Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse in Penola is on the Heritage and State Register as a schoolroom museum. It is a very special place where Mary MacKillop's youthful presence can still be felt. The schoolhouse is evidence of her commitment to God through a life devoted to others, her vulnerability and self-doubt, her competence as a teacher, her vitality, her sense of humour and her serenity.

Spirit:

Penola House members are friends to everyone. They serve God in the poor and value education. Everyone in Penola House is committed to their own educational journey while advocating for educational equality for children in rural Australia. Penola House does all the good it can, and when members see a need they do something about it.

Value:          Empathy

Motto:          Empathy and Community

Penola House motto is Empathy and Community. At the heart of the house is empathy where resilience and compassion are nurtured. Principally, Penola House is responsive to the educational needs of children in rural areas of Australia and communities who are in need.

Colour:         Golden Yellow

Penola House colour is golden yellow. This colour has stood for wisdom and intellect throughout the ages. It reflects the warmth of the sun, the embrace of friends, happiness and self-confidence.

Symbols:   The Tasmanian little penguin and hand of empathy