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Schools in profile: St Mary's Catholic School, Bowen
St Mary’s Catholic School, Bowen
St Mary’s Catholic School is one of the oldest schools in the Townsville Diocese. Founded in 1873 by The Sisters of St 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 excellence, small class sizes to enhance students’ learning and an environment built on Catholic tradition. The school 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 Catholic School has had an extensive history since its establishment in 1873, providing a nurturing and faith based education to students over the years.
A BRIEF HISTORY
1873 The first convent school was opened on the outskirts of Bowen
1874 Two cottages are purchased to accommodate boarders at St Mary's.
1884 Cyclone Simla destroys St Mary's and ultimately the school was forced to close.
1885 The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Bowen with the intention of reopening St Mary's School
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
1911 A new Parish church was erected and the "Immigration Depot" school was made into an extension of the Convent for the accommodation of boarders 1923 Another convent was erected between the church and the newly erected ‘St Mary’s School’
1940s St Mary’s became a training school for pupil teachers up to the early 1940's and because of this, many aspiring young teachers boarded at the Convent. Many wonderful and successful teachers obtained their classification and the right to teach from St Mary’s.
1960 The original Convent building situated between the school and the 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 was officially opened by His Lordship Bishop Raymond Benjamin on Saturday 21st September. The previous St Mary’s School was demolished, making way for extensive playing and sports areas.
Q&A with thePrincipal, Colette Williams
Principal, Colette Williams shares why St Mary’s reputation is so well respected in the Bowen community, plus some insights into the future 150 year anniversary celebrations.
ST MARY'S CELEBRATES 150 YEARS IN 2023, DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE ANYTHING EXCITING PLANNED? HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THE SCHOOL'S EXTENSIVE HISTORY INTO THE BOWEN COMMUNITY?
Our school is currently in the planning phase for our 150 year celebration. Our school Board has formed a sub-committee, with Judy Feeney (long term staff member) leading this committee. We are hoping to host this event in May, as this is Mary's month. The event will be a family fun day, with all members of our school, past, present and future invited to attend.
WHAT MAKES THE ST MARY'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITY SO SPECIAL?
Our school is known for our inclusive practices and the way all teachers care so deeply about the students. Our teachers go above and beyond their roles every school day. Our school continues to work in close collaboration with our Parish and we are well known in the community as being a well-established faith based school. The community recognises our school as being the first established educational facility, which they are very proud of.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EXCITING CHANGES OCCURRING AT ST MARY’S?
Our school has undertaken a massive re-imagining over the past 4 years, with improvements being made across all realms of our school. There has been a focus on learning and teaching, along with upgrading our school facilities.
ARE THERE ANY HISTORICAL ITEMS DISPLAYED OR PRESENT WITHIN THE SCHOOL?
Our school grotto has been a centerpiece within our school and we are in the process of re-imagining this space. Many of the historical items are now located in archives to preserve them for the future.
