Remember Bishop Daniel Delany? His vision lives on right here. We are standing before Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield. It is a place with a rich history and a commitment to shaping young men.
Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield began in 1953. Archbishop O’Brien requested staff for a new boys’ school in Fairfield. The suburb was growing with post-war migrants. There were primary schools but no senior Catholic education for boys. Brother Norbert and his Council agreed. Brothers Kevin Samuel, Eugene Kelly, and Peter Johnson formed the first community. They lived in an old cottage on the property.
Cardinal Gilroy opened the school on March 13 1953. One hundred seventy pupils were enrolled in Years 4, 5, and 6. The school grew quickly. The buildings were brick with concrete quadrangles. This pattern continued as enrollment reached almost one thousand. The grounds were once an orchard and vineyard. Brothers, parents, and students leveled the land. They planted grass and trees. This effort created the environment we see today.
By 1982, Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield had over forty classrooms. It also had a library, assembly hall, and science labs. A modern manual arts block was added. The college is the largest single-campus Catholic boys’ school in New South Wales.
In the early days, students were mainly Australian. There were also children of East European, Maltese, and Italian parents. Today, the college serves a diverse community. Eighty-five percent of students come from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield held its first public examination in 1956. It was the Intermediate Certificate. In 1961, the first students sat for the Leaving Certificate. Students from other Patrician schools joined them. This continued until those schools gained their own senior programs.
Patrician Brothers’ College celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2003. Cardinal George Pell presided over a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. There was also a reunion dinner, a ball, and a concert.
In 2000, new facilities were opened. These included a library, science wing, and gymnasium. A music and creative arts center was added. The old senior block was renovated into administration and staff areas.
The primary school closed in 2006. The grounds returned to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. However, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School is under Patrician Leadership.
Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield hosted the World Youth Day cross and icon in 2007. Five thousand people attended the veneration.
In 2008, the Patrician Brothers celebrated their 200th anniversary. Celebrations included a mass at the State Sports Centre. Over 5000 people attended. A concert was held at Acer Arena.
The college spent millions redeveloping its facilities. These include classrooms, Jubilee Hall, and the chapel. The college has invested heavily in technology. It provides MacBooks to students. There is also WiFi across the campus.
Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield offers a gifted and talented program. Acceleration is possible in subjects like Mathematics. The college competes in Sydney Catholic Schools competitions. It is known for its rugby league program. The college has won the NRL Schoolboy Cup multiple times. Many alumni have gone on to play in the NRL.
Notable alumni include Greg Alexander, Kieran Gilbert, and Luke Nguyen. Peter Sterling is a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
The college motto is Maria Duce. It means Mary Leads Us. The school colors are royal blue and sky blue. These are Our Lady’s colors.
Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield began with humble origins. It has grown into a leading Catholic school. It provides a comprehensive education for young men. It is a place of tradition and innovation. The college prepares students for success in all areas of life.