This year St Mary’s Catholic College Gateshead reached its 60th anniversary, celebrating the occasion on Friday 22 November with a Mass attended by the whole college, lunch for visitors and fun events for the staff and students.
The College was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar in response to the need for Catholic Secondary education in Newcastle’s expanding east lakes area.
The Sisters named the school in honour of Mary, Mother of the Lord. Four Sisters formed the first staff. Other Sisters and a growing number of lay teachers followed. The college has maintained a strong awareness of its Josephite foundation and tradition.
Student Leaders welcomed the Sisters to The Josephite Centre where Mass was celebrated. Bishop Michael Kennedy presided, accompanied by other priests, including the local Parish Priest, Fr Tony Potts. The Sisters joined the entrance procession following the student leaders, who carried a small crowned statue of Mary and six finely painted crosses marking the six decades.
After the rousing opening hymn led by the student musicians, the College Principal, Mr Brett Donohoe, welcomed all, especially the Sisters.
Sr Carmel Hanson, Congregational Leader responded, speaking encouragingly to the staff and students. She commented on the energetic music of the choir and instrumentalists, noting that they were continuing the strong musical tradition of the Sisters.
Sr Carmel presented the College with a wooden cross, in the shape of the Sisters’ cross, to remind them to live the Josephite spirit of never seeing a need without doing something about it.
Among those attending were Sr Christine O’Connor, a foundation student of 1964, and Sisters of St Joseph and lay teachers from the early days of the school.
An honoured guest was Mr Larry Keating, the Principal of the previous twenty years, under whose leadership the college expanded to its present shape, with its new buildings and fine entrance. There were several guests from the diocesan Catholic Schools Office
The solemnity and joy of the occasion was tangible. There was unity and strength in the students’ reverent attention and in their strong proclamation of the scripture readings. The Gospel was that of the Annunciation, the College’s inspirational text since 1964.
Bishop Michael placed the Gospel story in the context of the students’ lives, calling them to respond like Mary to God’s call. The zest and outstanding quality of the music drew all into wholehearted participation.
After the Mass and lunch, the staff and students enjoyed community time. There were games and market stalls raising money (an impressive $3,355.60) for the House of Hospitality and Mum’s Cottage (two ministries supported by Lochinvar Sisters of St Joseph for those in need), and for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
The day ended with the Battle of the Bands – a joyous time of music and dancing, celebrating the amazing community of St Mary’s College.
In a news article about the 60th anniversary, Mrs De-Anna Addicoat, Ministry Coordinator, reflected on the College’s warm appreciation of the Sisters’ legacy in the College.
When the Sisters of St Joseph were asked if they could establish a school for East Lake Macquarie, there was no hesitation. They said yes.
They were not given any money or land, they just did it through blood, sweat and tears and a lot of prayers. I look at these students today and I am looking at the sisters’ prayers and their dreams. What I see today is their dream come true.
In the past 10 years, Mrs Addicoat has seen the College transition from a Year 7 to Year10 School, expanding to accommodate Year 11 and Year 12 in 2018. With that came the name change from St Mary’s High School to St Mary’s Catholic College.
When the school first opened, it was an all-girls high school with just 156 enrolments. It became a co-ed school in 1983. Since expanding to senior years, there is now a waiting list for 70 students to attend the College in 2025, with a projected enrolment of about 1,000.
Srs Brigid Linehan rsj & Jan Tranter rsj