The flame of Mercy education was lit by Mother Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland and carried to Western Australian shores by Mother Ursula Frayne and the founding Sisters on 2 February 1846 in a rented cottage on St George’s Terrace, diagonally opposite Government House. The Sisters were surprised but not discouraged by the arrival of one student after the promise by Bishop Brady of 4000 prospective students.Mercedes College has the proud distinction of being the first school in Australia founded by a Religious Congregation and WA’s first permanent school, and the present site of the college is of unique historical importance.
On Tuesday 9 March the we gathered as a College to commemorate our humble beginnings. Half of our student cohort, staff, invited guests and the Sisters of Mercy gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for a very special 175 Year themed Mass presided over by Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB. The remaining students remained at school and took part in a number of art activities which will eventually be installed in and around the College grounds. All the art activities symbolised different elements of the Sisters’ journey to Australia and how Mercedes College grew into what it is today.
Following the Mass we welcomed our special guests back to the College for a High Tea in the gardens – it was wonderful to hear the Sisters of Mercy and guests such as Hon. Kate Doust MLC (Alumna) and Mr Wayne Bull (Deputy Executive Director of Catholic Education WA, and former Deputy Principal) reminisce and share stories of their times here at the College.
The students enjoyed a cool respite with an icy pole and headed to Assembly, where they heard from guest speakers, notably Sr Mollie Wright (former Principal, teacher & student). We look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate our 175 Years!
