MARY’S MOUNT HISTORICAL WALK

Walk Through Time:

Explore the History of Our Century-Old School

Step into the living history of our beloved school, where generations of students have walked the same earth and built a story that spans more than a century. Our Historical Walk is a celebration of the stories, milestones, and memories that have shaped our school community since its founding over 100 years ago.

We invite you to join us for a guided journey through time—exploring historic buildings, treasured artifacts, and memories of past students and staff. Whether you’re a proud alumni, a curious student, or a history enthusiast, this walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit and resilience that define our school’s community and traditions.

Whether you physically walk around the school, or follow our history on our website, we invite you to walk with us, and rediscover the truth and history of a school that has stood the test of time.

Station A – Welcome

The Mary’s Mount story began in 1921 when the Sisters purchased a 25 acre block of land in Gooseberry Hill with two small cottages side by side.

Station B – The Original School Gates & Sister Mary’s Room

Up until 1986 Mary’s Mount School was accessed through double wrought iron gates on a circular, one-way driveway from Davies Crescent. There was an entrance gate and an exit gate and this was where the Jacarandas lined the drive and roses and camellias filled the garden within…

Station C – The Cottage and Laundry

In 1945, the Sisters built a Laundry for their washing needs, using cement bricks made by the Sisters and boys. Initially, it had two rooms and was later converted into a gardener’s cottage after the boarding school closed in 1969…

Station D – Orchard Site & Swimming Pool

The Mary’s Mount land was bordered by Davies Cres, Noel Rd, College Rd, and a valley leading to Faye Cres. After selling the school in 1974, the Sisters retained the valley block. Initially, a freshwater spring-fed swimming pool was used as a dam for irrigation in 1948, and a new pool was built nearby. The area also housed a cow and later goats for grass control…

Station D – Our New Sacred Space

In 1946, the Sisters and boys built a Grotto for Rosary, prayer, and outdoor Masses, using local rock. It was blessed and opened in 1947 but was demolished in 1996 due to safety concerns. The statue of Our Lady of Lourdes from the Grotto was relocated to the school entrance, where it stands in a rose garden…

Station E – The Old Hall

In the late 1960s, a large hall was built as an upper storey to the original 1926 building to accommodate growing student numbers. It connected to the old school via a walkway and provided a covered play area below. The hall became a hub for Parents’ and Friends’ fundraising events, including luncheons, musical evenings, and Balls…

Station F – Little Bell Tower and Wisteria

The Angelus bell, “Joseph,” was consecrated and erected in 1934 near the original two-storey building. Sister Adelaide planted a Wisteria seed nearby, which flourished and adorned the tower with purple blossoms each spring. A storm in the 1970s brought down the tower, bell, and Wisteria…

Station G – Site of the Original Building (not St Joseph’s Hall)

The original Mary’s Mount building, starting with two cottages, housed boarders, a kitchen, a Refectory, a library, and an office. After boarders were no longer accepted in 1969, the top floor was used for Years 1 and 2, and the ground floor became an Art and Craft room. The Refectory tables were repurposed for art activities and some were preserved for future use…

Station H – St Emilie de Vialar Chapel and Breezeway Walkway Art

In 1944, due to rapid student growth, the Sisters built four temporary classrooms from timber and asbestos. By 1952, a new brick and tile school building was opened, and the temporary classrooms became a chapel…

Station I – The Grotto & 1952 Classrooms

In 1946, the Sisters and boys at Mary’s Mount built a Grotto for Rosary, prayer, and outdoor Masses, using local rock. It was blessed and opened in 1947 but was demolished in 1996 due to safety concerns.

Station J – Oak Tree, Loquat Grove & Guardian Angel Rose Garden

An oak tree, planted from an acorn by Mother Pius in the early years, stands between Loquat Grove and the Art Room, offering shade for nearly 100 years. It is believed to be a descendant of an oak from the mother convent in France…

Station K – St Joseph and the Jacarandas

In 1943, a statue of St Joseph and the Child Jesus was placed near the entrance of Mary’s Mount in a rose garden. The statue remains there, shaded by a large Jacaranda tree, one of the first planted on the school’s circular drive. Many Jacarandas and the statue have endured through changes to the grounds…

Station L – The Rosary Garden and Timber Adventure Playground

In 1946 the Sisters and boys decided to build a Grotto for Rosary, prayer and outdoor Masses to honour Our Lady, The Immaculate Heart of Mary. This was built by hand from local rock and was a structure of at least two metres high in bush to the north of the two-storey school site…

Station M – The Administration Garden and Our Lady’s Statue

Narator Acknowledgement

Mrs Sue Blair – A Special Thank You

A parent at Mary’s Mount from 1979 to 1992.

A teacher at Mary’s Mount from 1983 to 2016.

A grandparent at Mary’s Mount from 2012 and ongoing…

After dedicating 33 years to teaching at our school, Sue retired in 2016. Yet her deep connection to Mary’s Mount has never faded. Since then, she has generously given her time and talents as our school’s historian and archivist, continuing to nurture the spirit of our community. We are deeply thankful for Sue’s commitment to preserving the stories and history of Mary’s Mount Catholic Primary School. Through her efforts, countless memories and student journeys have been recorded, ensuring that the voices of the past continue to inspire the students of the future.

Sue, from all of us—thank you. Your dedication, your passion for our history, and your gift for storytelling have kept the heart of Mary’s Mount beating strong. You’ve not only documented our past—you’ve brought it to life for generations to come.