SCHOOL IN PROFILE
St Mary’s Catholic School, Bowen St Mary’s Catholic School is one of the
A BRI EF HISTORY
oldest schools in the Townsville Diocese.
1873 The first convent school was
Founded in 1873 by The Sisters of St
opened on the outskirts of Bowen
Joseph, the school has evolved over time into a modern and inclusive learning community for Prep to Year 6 students. Located in the beachside community of Bowen, St Mary’s Catholic School has a proud tradition of academic
1923 Another convent was erected between the church and the newly erected ‘St Mary’s School’ 1940s St Mary’s became a training
1874 Two cottages are purchased to accommodate boarders at St Mary's.
school for pupil teachers up to the early 1940's and because of this, many
1884 Cyclone Simla destroys
aspiring young teachers boarded at the
St Mary's and ultimately the
Convent. Many wonderful and successful
school was forced to close.
teachers obtained their classification and the right to teach from St Mary’s.
excellence, small class sizes to enhance
1885 The Sisters of Mercy arrived
students’ learning and an environment
in Bowen with the intention of
1960 The original Convent building
built on Catholic tradition. The school
reopening St Mary's School
situated between the school and the
and Parish community have united to ensure all students at St Mary’s flourish and reach their God-given potential. In 2023, alongside St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand, St Mary’s will celebrate its 150 year anniversary. St Mary’s
1895 Parish Priest, Father Jule Bucas, purchased and re-erected the old "Immigration Depot" buildings for use as a school 1905 A new convent was erected next to the school
Catholic School has had an extensive
church was shifted and altered to make a larger Convent building. The boarding facilities were also added beside the Convent to form one larger building. 1985 The current St Mary’s School was opened. This school started operation on Monday 15th July and
history since its establishment in 1873,
1911 A new Parish church was erected
was officially opened by His Lordship
providing a nurturing and faith based
and the "Immigration Depot" school was
Bishop Raymond Benjamin on Saturday
education to students over the years.
made into an extension of the Convent
21st September. The previous St Mary’s
for the accommodation of boarders
School was demolished, making way for extensive playing and sports areas.
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