Mary MacKillop College

History

Mary MacKillop College is a School Community that  welcomes all in the name of Jesus Christ, strives to develop the potential of each  individual, responds to the needs of the individual, has a commitment to simplicity of lifestyle and has a special concern for those most in need.

The College had its beginnings in 1944 when secondary students, who had previously been taught at various Parish schools run by the Sisters of St. Joseph, were brought together in Queen St. Norwood.

In the first year 100 students were enrolled in classes from First Year to Leaving Honours. The school was known as St Joseph’s Higher Primary.

In 1950 the school moved to Bridge Street where a small building had served as the Parish school.

In the 1950s a hall was hired in High Street to cater for the rapidly increasing numbers. This led to a building project undertaken by the Sisters of Saint  Joseph and in 1963, the school, which had been renamed “St Joseph’s High School” moved into the Phillips Street site with an enrolment of 200.

During the 1960s student numbers increased, lay people joined the teaching staff and Sister Oliver remained as Principal, making a unique and inestimable contribution to the growth and spirit of the school. In 1970, Sister’s last year as principal, the name was changed to “Mary MacKillop College”.  

Following major capital developments  throughout  the past 30 years our next  development stage is to create a state of the art Music Centre to enhance learning opportunities in the arts.

Since its humble beginnings the College has continued to embrace students from all walks of life and educate them in the true spirit of Mary MacKillop. Avery real and precious connection has been maintained with the Sisters and our girls enjoy classes in a modern, well resourced, comfortable environment while having access to the Chapel and Convent grounds where Mary herself lived and worked to promote educational opportunities for girls.