Visit to Oak Knoll 2025

This year’s visit to the United States marked the third journey as part of the renewed exchange partnership between our schools, further strengthening the bonds between our Holy Child communities.

Mayfield was proudly represented by two Year 12 pupils, Eloise, daughter of OC Sophie Tod (Class of 1990), and Cece, daughter of Holy Child Killiney alumna Philippa Field (Class of 1987). Throughout their stay, both students immersed themselves fully in school life, joining lessons, engaging enthusiastically with the Lower School, and forming warm connections within the community. A highlight of their visit was a presentation to the entire Lower School, offering a lively and engaging insight into life at Mayfield and in England—particularly memorable was their discussion of British food, which prompted both curiosity and amusement!

Beyond the classroom, the girls experienced a flavour of American school life, including a memorable trip to New York City and travel on iconic yellow school buses and double-decker trains. They also took part in a school service day, contributing to a range of volunteer projects across the community.

The visit also provided an opportunity to spend time at Rosemont, where a tour of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ) Archives offered a fascinating insight into the history of the Society in the United States. While references to Mayfield were understandably limited, one particularly striking discovery was an anecdote about Mother Cornelia Connelly herself. It appears that Cornelia often selected Sisters with whom she most disagreed to lead new foundations in America, believing their independence and strength made them especially well-suited to establishing missions in challenging and unfamiliar environments such as Nebraska and California during the 1860s.

Further research revealed the remarkable influence of the Duchess of Leeds, long recognised as a benefactor of Mayfield, whose role was even more significant than previously understood. By selling her East Coast land to purchase property further inland, she played a pivotal part in the founding of both Towanda and Rosemont.

The visit concluded at Philadelphia Cathedral, where the proposed shrine to Cornelia Connelly was viewed. Currently presented as a monument to the Holy Child alongside a portrait of Cornelia, it stands opposite the shrine to St Katharine Drexel—another extraordinary woman whose life and legacy are closely tied to the city.

Lucinda Misiewicz
Teacher of English