St Catherine’s School

Established in 1896, St Catherine’s School began its life far from the bustling streets of Melbourne. It was founded as Castlemaine Ladies’ College in the Victorian town of Castlemaine. The school’s founder, Miss Jeanie Hood, likely never imagined the prestigious institution it would become. St Catherine’s School has educated generations of young women. In 1903, the Langley sisters, Ruth, Aphra, and Nona, took over the school. They guided its transformation, first to Castlemaine Girls’ College and then, in 1911, to St Catherine’s Girls College, Castlemaine. The name was inspired by the Anglican school St Catherine’s School at Waverley in Sydney. In 1920, St Catherine’s School made a significant move to Williams Road in Melbourne. The city offered new opportunities and a wider reach. Soon after, the school acquired “Kilbride House” in Toorak, later renamed Sherren House. This grand building became a symbol of the school’s growing prominence. The expansion continued with the acquisition of Barbreck in 1948 for the junior school. This allowed for further development of the secondary school. The student population grew to around 400, marking a period of flourishing growth for St Catherine’s School. Further properties along Heyington Place were added, solidifying the school’s presence in the exclusive Toorak neighborhood. The school continued to evolve throughout the latter half of the 20th century. R. Ann Baylis and Dorothy Pizzey each served as principals. They steered St Catherine’s School through changing times. The school celebrated its centenary in 1996. A comprehensive history, “St Catherine’s: A Centenary Celebration,” was commissioned to commemorate the milestone. More recent developments include the addition of the St Catherine’s Walk, an underground car park, and the Piazza behind Sherren House. The Marigold Southey Sports & Aquatic Centre is another testament to the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Today, St Catherine’s School stands as a testament to the vision of its founder. It offers a vibrant learning environment for girls from early learning through Year 12. The school remains committed to its motto, “Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum,” or “Nothing is great unless it is good.”