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Our School has a wonderful history and many stories that our community are deeply connected to. As we celebrate our 125 Year Anniversary, we invite you to step back in time through some of the many stories that make up the life at St Catherine’s.
1896 School Prospectus
St Catherine’s School was founded in 1896 when teacher Miss Jeanie Hood opened a school in Templeton Street, Castlemaine, which she named Castlemaine Ladies’ College.
Miss Hoods Pupils
Our college year has passed quietly and uneventfully and although we have as yet no great successes to report, we can conscientiously say that the work throughout the school has been thorough and in some cases even brilliant.
St Catherine's Magazine - Cynthia Taylor (’22)
This is the subject matter under discussion at the present time. One hears people say, “in my time girls would never have done this or that.”
St Catherine's Magazine - Author Unknown
What are the things that bring honour to a School, that build up its reputation? There is the impress of the Head, the influence of her or his character and government. There is the work of the Staff, their teaching and class management, their interest in and sympathy with their pupils. There is the setting of the school’s life, the beauty and convenience of its buildings and grounds. There are the girls and boys themselves, who form the community while they are there, who leave a tradition when they go out into the wider world.
A Little Dullness Will Do Them No Harm
There is such little time to be carefree. Remember, we are training these girls for life, the life of womanhood and perhaps motherhood let them keep their spring and buoyancy, they will lose it all too soon if we are not careful.
Miss Edna Holmes
On the intellectual side, we think that much more could be done for most girls if the present system of university examinations were altered or modified. We are forced to consider first and foremost, not our own special requirements, but a syllabus imposed from outside.
Reflecting on Warburton
In 1942 as the Second World War actions edged closer to Australian soil, the St Catherine’s School site was vacated and became a training base for the WAAAF. On the 10 March 1942 the Australian Government took over the campus grounds and within two weeks the entire School population (280 girls) relocated to Warburton.
1943 Annual Report - Miss Sophie Borland
If we agree that education means more than the mere accumulation of facts, and must concern itself with training for citizenship, for life in a free community, then we begin to realise that all educational planning must be two-fold.
Mr John Steven
On 10th November Margaret will be leaving school to live for a time at the Olympic Village; and although we will be sorry to see her go, we wish her the best of luck for the Games, and hope that she will not be training too seriously to have a wonderful time.
Jayne Stuart
This year has been one of adjustment. It is amazing that a school with such a short history should have founded so many worthwhile traditions. This is particularly so in the Boarding House. Prayers are such a tradition, and the daily hymn and collect continue to be a satisfaction to all girls.
St Catherine's News - December 1979
The battle between girls and Mathematics has been a vital element in the history of the war women have waged for their own liberation. In their fight for equality, women have realized that the mastery of Mathematics has been essential if they are to enter the male-dominated professions.
Nicola Sitch ('15)
We often speak about the intimacy of St Catherine’s. But, I am hooked on its strength. And, as I stand in the School Hall tonight, addressing the School for what will be my final time – I feel its strength more than ever. It is this unpronounced, resounding feminine force. A quiet understanding that we are all here, on the same team – as happy for each other as we are for ourselves.
Mr John Steven
An excerpt from the 125 Celebration Service, Thursday 4 February 2021
Our memories as young people leave an indelible mark. That’s what Barbreck is to those who travelled through its corridors – a warm embrace, a familiar smell, a comforting reassurance.
Mr John Steven
An excerpt from the 125 Celebration Service, Thursday 4 February 2021
One of the earliest contributions of SCOGA was the donation of the Clocktower and Middle School Quadrangle, as Australia emerged from the Great Depression in 1934. It was officially opened on St Catherine’s Day in 1934.
Mr John Steven
An excerpt from the 125 Celebration Service, Thursday 4 February 2021
Sherren House has wrapped its arms around our students for nearly 100 years and has become more than just a name to us.
Mr John Steven
An excerpt from the 125 Celebration Service, Thursday 4 February 2021
With the war coming closer to Australia in 1942, the Toorak site of the School was taken over by the Australian Government. The School was required to vacate within a fortnight to become a training base for the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force. The WAAAF was the first and largest of the wartime Australian women’s services.
