Sisters of Mercy

Kathleen Preece, born of Irish ancestry in 1926 near Mt Gambier, was the eldest of eight sisters and brothers all born within a decade. She was a brilliant student and completed her Leaving Certificate in Mt Gambier before she was fifteen. She then pleaded to be able to complete a wider range of Matriculation subjects at St Aloysius College in Adelaide. Kath came to SAC from the South-East as a boarder in 1942 and, in addition to her studies, was able to pursue her love of singing and the piano.

After completing her leaving Honours year in 1943, Kath entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy at Angas St in 1944 during which she would have spent much time in prayer and reflection in SAC’s beautiful chapel.

She taught at SAC from 1947 until 1950, at Erindale Juniorate from 1951 until 1953, at SAC from 1954 till 1957 and at Mater Christi, Mt Gambier from 1958 until 1969. In 1970, Sr Kath returned to Adelaide and to SAC as Deputy Principal.

In the years 1972 to 1976, the post Vatican Council period, Sr Kath was elected to serve on the Provincial Council. During this period, Sr Kath offered insightful ideas and vigorous opinions that were not only innovative but would consistently consider the needs of the most disadvantaged. Like a compass that swings true north, Sr Kath never lost her sense of service to her students and commitment to her faith.