Established in 1958 St John’s Regional College stands proudly in Dandenong. It’s a testament to the foresight of local parish priests. They recognised a growing need for secondary education in the area. Many students had to travel long distances for schooling. St John’s answered that need. It began as St John’s Boys School. The Presentation Sisters of St Mary’s Primary School initially taught the first classes. Grade 6 Form I and Form II students crammed into St Mary’s classrooms. Brother Amedy Molloy was the Founding Principal. He and J F Maher managed a combined 110 students in a single room.
Soon the school moved across the road. Their first building was a simple tin shed. Imagine 120 boys called to class by a bell in a gum tree. This humble beginning didn’t last long. A new brick building rose on New Street. The ground floor was finished in 1959 the second floor in 1960. Growth continued. St John’s Boys School expanded its reach. It became a regional college serving several parishes.
In 1967 the college relocated to its current site on Caroline Street. Archbishop Knox officially opened and blessed the new buildings. 1968 marked a turning point. St Mary’s Girls Secondary College renamed St Angela’s shared resources and teachers with St John’s. Co-education started in 1970. By 1974 the entire college was on one campus. St John’s became the nation’s first Catholic co-educational regional college in 1977.
Significant enrolment increases followed. The college continued to grow. It responded to further educational needs. New Catholic secondary schools like St Francis Xavier College and Nazareth College were established. St John’s adapted its service area accordingly. Refurbishments began in 2016. The college improved its learning spaces and sporting facilities. A new Learning Common replaced the old library. Outdoor recreation areas were upgraded. The Eagle Community Garden links the college to the local Dandenong Market. It provides workplace learning for students. This vibrant college continues to thrive. It offers a rich education in a diverse and welcoming community. St John’s Regional College is a true beacon of education in the Dandenong region.