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St Mary's gears up to mark its centenary milestone this August, with events that aim to bring together past and current students, families and staff in a celebration of the school’s significant contribution to the local Mackay region.
Established just a few short years after the end of the Great War, and with Mackay still reeling following the devastating cyclone of 1918, St Mary's school began its journey with a commitment to providing a quality Catholic education for the families of South Mackay. With an initial enrolment of about 50 students, St Mary’s was originally staffed by two Sisters of Mercy, who were transported each day over rutted dirt roads from their convent on River St. The original school building (pictured) was funded and built by local families and was a mainstay of school and community life for many years.
Over the decades, St Mary's has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience, shaping the lives of thousands of children who have passed through its doors. From its modest beginnings to the current day, St Mary's continues to uphold its mission to foster academic achievement, spiritual growth and a strong sense of community pride among its now 380 students.
As the school embarks on its hundredth year, it invites the wider community to partake in events that honour the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future. The festivities kick off with a Centenary Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop Michael McCarthy at the school on 6th Aug. Following the Centenary Mass, the school will host a formal dinner on Friday, 9th August, where guests can reconnect with old friends, former classmates and teachers, reminiscing about schoolyard memories while forging new bonds in celebration of this significant milestone.
On Sunday, 11th August from 9am-12pm, St Mary's opens its doors to the community during the school’s Family Fun Day. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore open classrooms, experiencing firsthand the innovative learning environment that the current students of St Mary's enjoy. Additionally, families can partake in the excitement of jumping castles, indulge in delicious treats, and peruse a display of memorabilia spanning the school's history, including items from the 1999-time capsule. A highlight of the Fun Day will be the dedication of a new time capsule. Filled with mementos and messages from current students and staff, the time capsule will serve as a testament to the school's commitment to education in the Mackay community, and will be unveiled at the 125th anniversary in 2049.
As the Mackay community joins in celebrating St Mary's centenary, the school extends its heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and camaraderie that have enriched its journey over the past hundred years. Together, let us honour the legacy of St Mary's School and embrace the future as we embark on the next chapter of our story.
For further details and inquiries about the centenary celebrations, please visit the St Mary's Catholic Primary School Facebook page or email smm_centenary@rok.catholic.edu.au
Contributed by St Mary’s School Principal, Wes Rose
St Mary’s School Captains - Ryder Reynolds, Zander Otto, Jaylah Breayley and Kalani van Lint - pictured with the time capsule (dedicated in 1999) to be opened during this year’s centenary celebrations
The original St Mary’s school building (Morley St), which opened its doors in 1924. Images supplied
