Sister Elaine Lum

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Sr Elaine Lum was born in 1930 in Auburn, NSW to Alice and George Lum, who were very respected shopkeepers in the district and very involved parishioners.

Elaine was the youngest of three children and was educated at St John’s Primary School, Auburn and Bethlehem College, Ashfield. The family were life-long tennis players and Elaine enjoyed the game, even in her later years.

She entered the Sisters of Charity on 2nd July 1948 and, following her Novitiate and Teacher Training, was appointed to the following schools:
St Ambrose Primary School, Concord West NSW, (on two occasions)
St Thomas More’s Primary School, Brighton NSW, (on two occasions)
St Canice’s Primary School, Elizabeth Bay, NSW
St John’s Primary School, East Melbourne, VIC
St Monica’s Primary School, Moonee Ponds, VIC
St Patrick’s Primary School, Paddington,VIC
St Mary’s School, Liverpool NSW
St John’s Primary School, Auburn, NSW
St Mary’s Star of the Sea Primary School, Hurstville, NSW
St Thomas’ High School, Lewisham, NSW
At Concord West, Auburn, Hurstville and Lewisham Elaine was Principal.

As a teacher, Elaine excelled from the very beginning, studying for her I.T.C. within her first years of teaching. Also, during these teaching years, she managed university studies, obtaining degrees from Armidale University.

Perhaps Elaine’s greatest contribution to teaching was during the years after retirement from school when she, first of all, worked in the Outreach Childcare Programme at Cranebrook and then spent a number of years teaching English to migrant people at Cabramatta.

She had a gift for making friends and was much loved by the migrant people with whom she worked. Her Asian background seemed to give her a greater understanding and affiliation, especially with the Vietnamese community.

Elaine never lost her sense of humour and even in her final illness she was still the gentle, playful character she had always been. She eventually moved into St Joseph’s Village, where she was beautifully cared for and very much loved by the wonderful staff. Elaine died peacefully on 30 January, 1998.

Sisters’ Stories

THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

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Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Australia

T: (02) 9367 1222