The Marianville Alumnae Group (MAG) has officially launched its 60th Diamond Jubilee Celebration Plan, marking the beginning of a 12-month journey toward commemorating six decades of academic and spiritual excellence at Marianville Secondary School just outside Port Moresby city.
The launch took place on Friday, May 30th, 2025, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, a significant date in the Marianville calendar. The event marked 59 years since the school’s establishment in 1966.
MAG Vice President Leila Kedea, speaking on behalf of President Karen Fabila, unveiled the year-long celebration plan, which includes a leadership retreat, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives aimed at honouring the legacy of the school and reconnecting with past students.
“With the blessings from God our Heavenly Father and our Mother Mary, the Marianville Alumnae Group is proud to begin this journey. We are reaching out to alumnae near and far to reflect on how ‘Mary’s Village’ has shaped their lives,” said Kedea.
The group has established a 60th Jubilee Planning Committee, structured into sub-committees focusing on fundraising, logistics, media, security, catering, and merchandise. Team leaders and volunteers, both in PNG and abroad, are coordinating efforts to ensure the celebrations are inclusive and meaningful.
During the same week, Marianville Deputy Principal Mrs. Hape reflected on the school’s official recognition of its 59th anniversary, held during the OLSH feast day celebrations. She highlighted the dual significance of the day: launching into the school’s Diamond Jubilee year and honouring one of Marianville’s longest-serving teachers, who recently retired after 37 years of service.
“She’s been with us her whole career, and we want to keep her involved up until the 60th because of how much she’s contributed to Marianville’s development,” Mrs. Hape said.
Mrs. Hape, who has been with the school for 23 years, also noted that the school had earlier launched its own internal 60th Jubilee plans during a student-led event and expressed admiration for the strength of the alumnae group.
“Marianville’s alumnae is one of the most active in the country. They’re not just fundraising but also forming reconnections. The 60th will be bigger than the 50th, which was only celebrated in Port Moresby. This time, we’re hoping to go beyond the capital and involve more of our community.”
Looking ahead, Mrs. Hape said the upcoming celebrations will also serve as a reunion for former students and staff to “take time out from their busy schedules” and return to Marianville as a community.
The 60th Jubilee, scheduled for 2026, aims to honour the legacy of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the school’s missionary founders, while bringing together generations of past students to celebrate the enduring spirit of Marianville.