Early History

 

The school started in 1897 in the first temporary Catholic Church at Kalgoorlie. It was known by at least three different names: ‘the Parish school’ by Catholics in general, ‘the Convent school’, or the ‘Nun’s school’ by the parents of pupils. It seems these names continued to be in use until the construction of the new St Mary’s School in 1900, even then it continued to be known as ‘St John of God School Kalgoorlie’

 

The St John of God Hospital and the Convent was constructed in 1897. At that time it was decided to relocate the Doctor and use his house for the school.

 

Sister Ignatius Lynagh remembered:

“Doctor’s house was renovated, partitions taken down etc. and made into a rather comfortable school compared to the poor old church-school which had yet to act as a church.”

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Foundation Stone Laid

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However, by 1900 the ‘doctor’s house building was far too small for the growing number of pupils, and it was clear that a new building was necessary. After a huge effort from the community to raise the necessary funds the foundation stone of the new building was laid on the 28 October 1900 by Fr Stronge.

 

The Sisters of Saint John of God worked tirelessly in both the hospital and the school until 1936. At that time, they realised that due to the increasing demand they needed to focus on the Hospital, so the Sisters of St Joseph were asked to carry on the Catholic Education of the students. So, with great regret the St John of God Sisters withdrew from St Mary’s in 1936 and the Sisters of St Joseph commenced their time leading the school in 1937.

 

In 1975, when St Michael’s closed in Butler Street, the Mercy Sisters began teaching at St Mary’s. The school was renamed Kalgoorlie Catholic Primary School.

 

In 2000 to mark the centenary, the school was given permission to take back the name St Mary’s Primary School.

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