Our History
St. Patrick's School has a rich history dating back to its beginnings in 1858 as a calico building situated on the gold reefs of Commercial Street. Initially serving as both school and church for the Stawell Catholic Parish, it was Father T. Barrett who transported the school to the area, mounted on the back of a dray.
The school witnessed a series of relocations and reconstruction, with the wooden schoolhouse emerging in 1860, which unfortunately succumbed to fire in 1874. After being housed in the newly established Catholic Church, a new school building was raised in 1885 adjacent to the church. This early structure primarily accommodated secretarial and business studies within a single room.
The current school's foundation commenced in 1931, built on a block of land at the corner of Holt and Patrick Street, consisting of three classrooms and two cloakrooms. This construction was mainly funded by the Church and affluent parishioners, supplemented by the voluntary contributions of local community members. Reverend D. Foley inaugurated the building in July 1932.
In 1924, the Sisters of St Joseph commenced teaching, later joined by lay teachers in 1960. The significant transformation continued through various additions, including a large hall in 1961, further converted into a library in the 1970s. Additional land was purchased in 1990, expanding the school property.
Significant refurbishments took place in 1993, funded by a Federal Government Grant, enabling the installation of a computer network, aligning the school with the challenges of the 21st Century. In 2001, another round of refurbishments valued at over $480,000, largely funded by a Federal Government Grant and a substantial parish contribution, underscored the local support for Catholic education in Stawell.
In 2017, the school introduced the new Senior Learning Hub, offering interconnected classrooms and a central hub for breakout groups. Presently, St. Patrick's Primary School caters to 150 students across six year levels, fostering a welcoming Christian community and encouraging active participation from parents, guardians, families, and parishioners in various school and pastoral activities.
St. Patrick's School remains an integral part of the Stawell community, aiming for ongoing growth and engagement in the years ahead.
The school witnessed a series of relocations and reconstruction, with the wooden schoolhouse emerging in 1860, which unfortunately succumbed to fire in 1874. After being housed in the newly established Catholic Church, a new school building was raised in 1885 adjacent to the church. This early structure primarily accommodated secretarial and business studies within a single room.
The current school's foundation commenced in 1931, built on a block of land at the corner of Holt and Patrick Street, consisting of three classrooms and two cloakrooms. This construction was mainly funded by the Church and affluent parishioners, supplemented by the voluntary contributions of local community members. Reverend D. Foley inaugurated the building in July 1932.
In 1924, the Sisters of St Joseph commenced teaching, later joined by lay teachers in 1960. The significant transformation continued through various additions, including a large hall in 1961, further converted into a library in the 1970s. Additional land was purchased in 1990, expanding the school property.
Significant refurbishments took place in 1993, funded by a Federal Government Grant, enabling the installation of a computer network, aligning the school with the challenges of the 21st Century. In 2001, another round of refurbishments valued at over $480,000, largely funded by a Federal Government Grant and a substantial parish contribution, underscored the local support for Catholic education in Stawell.
In 2017, the school introduced the new Senior Learning Hub, offering interconnected classrooms and a central hub for breakout groups. Presently, St. Patrick's Primary School caters to 150 students across six year levels, fostering a welcoming Christian community and encouraging active participation from parents, guardians, families, and parishioners in various school and pastoral activities.
St. Patrick's School remains an integral part of the Stawell community, aiming for ongoing growth and engagement in the years ahead.