General News
17 August, 2024
Classrooms were built in just eight weeks
BISHOP of Sandhurst the Rev. BD Stewart officially blessed and opened St Patrick’s school at the start of the 1956 school year. The school’s history says it was established to cater for a growing number of Catholic children in the Pyramid Hill...
BISHOP of Sandhurst the Rev. BD Stewart officially blessed and opened St Patrick’s school at the start of the 1956 school year.
The school’s history says it was established to cater for a growing number of Catholic children in the Pyramid Hill region and as a memorial to the residents of the region who gave their lives in World War Two.
“Hundreds of people were reported to have turned out for the opening of St Patrick’s school which was built in only eight weeks. At the time, St Patrick’s school was considered the most modern building in Pyramid Hill, and there was much pride from parishioners who contributed both financially and as volunteers to the building of the school,” the school records.
“The new school was designed to accommodate 100 students who would be educated through to proficiency standard; previously students had to travel to Kerang to continue schooling beyond primary level.
“When St Patrick’s school opened its doors in 1956 there were 60 enrolments and the students were taught in two classrooms by the Sisters of St Joseph, who were charged with the responsibility of educating the children.
“By 1966 enrolments at St Patrick’s had risen to 91 pupils including 18 students in form one and 10 enrolled in form two. To meet the growing enrolments two new brick classrooms were constructed along with a new staffroom facility and the first lay staff member was employed.”
St Patrick’s school ceased offering forms one and two (Years 7 and 8) in 1975, reverting to a primary school.
In 1976 the Sisters of St Joseph withdrew from St Patrick’s after two decades of service to the children and families of Pyramid Hill and district. In 1996 a new administration area and principals office was constructed, it was reported to be, ‘although a small school, equal to any in facilities and educational opportunities.’
On November 11, 2004 a Remembrance Garden was opened at St Patrick’s school by the federal member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone.