RECEIVING a primary education at St Mary’s Catholic College, South Burnett, has come a long way since the early days when 30 students crammed into the small room of a convent 85 years ago.
St Mary’s Catholic College’s history began with the Sisters of Charity, who turned a small room in their convent into a classroom, educating young children for eight months.
After one year of being crammed into a small room, a new school was built and opened by Archbishop Duhig in August 1929.
Seventy students enrolled into the new St Mary’s Convent school the following year.
In June 1934, the Good Samaritan Sisters were invited to teach at South Burnett, taking over from the Sisters of Charity. The Good Samaritans stayed with the school until 10 years ago.
The region not only celebrates 85 years of primary Catholic education, but also 50 years since introducing secondary Catholic education.
St Mary’s Catholic College as it stands today, a seamless Catholic education from primary to secondary, has served the South Burnett community since 1990 and will next year celebrate 25 years.
Principal Michael Nayler said he was proud to lead such a dynamic and long-serving community.
Mr Nayler said first Sisters of Charity in 1929 and then the Good Samaritans in 1934 left a great impression on the entire community.
“The Benedictine values held by the Good Samaritan Sisters, who follow to Rule of St Benedict, are still at the heart of the College today,” Mr Nayler said.
The school is organising a celebratory dinner for all school alumni to attend.
Kingaroy parishioner Kathleen Burns (nee Carew) was one of the students in that first class. She said she was proud of St Mary’s 85 year-long history.
