St Mary’s Catholic School, Ipswich, ca. 1950 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich
Catholic education began in Ipswich with the establishment of the first Catholic school in 1861 by Father McGinty. The development of this school, located on the corner of Elizabeth and Mary Streets, prompted the Sisters of Mercy to travel to Ipswich in 1863 to begin teaching 180 pupils from Ipswich and surrounding areas. In 1884 construction on the new St Mary’s Convent School began on land behind the presbytery and in 1885 the new school was officially opened with 300 new pupils enrolling. It was said that during these early years the school prided itself in areas such as music, drawing, painting, singing and needlework.
In 1909 three additional buildings were added to the rear of the original convent building, with the blessing of the foundation stone carried out by Archbishop Dunne. After their completion the school developed an excellent reputation with many people approving of the school’s wonderful “Primary and Secondary education which included Languages, Higher Mathematics, and other subjects required for the Queensland University Examinations” (“Ipswich Heritage Study”, 1992). At this point in time St Mary’s Convent School taught both male and female pupils, however in 1946 the first section of the girls school known as St Mary’s College began construction.
The first section of the St Mary’s College Girls School was opened in 1948 as a two storey building that housed an assembly floor, science lab, kitchen, laundry and dressmaking room, ten classrooms, administration offices, library, lunchroom and typing room. The old St Mary’s Convent School was then transformed in to the Infants’ School with the added inclusion of a Primary grade. Up until this time many of the Sisters of Mercy were still teaching within the Schools. However after celebrating their Centenary in 1963, the first lay teachers joined the staffing team.
The current High School of St Mary’s College was later established in 1968 with many extensions being added over the years. This year in May the school will celebrate 150 years of operating as one of Queensland’s first Catholic schools outside of Brisbane. If you are interested in participating in any of the events being held by the College next month please visit St Mary’s College online for more information.
Class from St Mary’s Catholic School, Ipswich 1938 to 1939 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich
Information taken from: “Ipswich Heritage Study”, “Art and Education – St Mary’s College” (The QT), “St Mary’s College – strong tradition and bright future” (The QT),”College history” (www.stmarys.qld.edu.au)