Imagine shaping young men of Manly into leaders. That’s the mission of St Pauls Catholic College. Since 1929, this diocesan Catholic secondary day school has stood proud on the Northern Beaches.
St Pauls Catholic College started as Christian Brothers College Manly. The Congregation of Christian Brothers founded it. They were known for providing Catholic education to boys. They believed no boy should be excluded due to fees.
Monsignor John MacDonald requested the Brothers establish a school. In 1924 he wanted a Catholic school for boys on the northern beaches. Four Brothers answered the call. They were T. N. Bourke, P. B. Costello, H. F. Gygar and T. P. O’Connor. They started their monastery and school next to the Parish Church in Raglan Street.
Christian Brothers Manly opened on January 29 1929. It welcomed 123 students. This was a significant undertaking for just four Brothers.
In only four years the school doubled. By 1933 St Pauls Catholic College had 250 boys. The Second World War led to the Cadet Corps’ creation. It disbanded in 1962. Other activities included football, cricket and swimming. There was also boxing, wrestling and musical concerts. The boys’ choirs sang at Mary Immaculate Church.
In 1965, Cardinal Gilroy moved the college. It went from Raglan Street to its current site. This was on Manly’s Eastern Hill in St Patrick’s Estate. The new St Pauls Catholic College buildings cost A£125000. In the 1970s science labs were added. The Commonwealth Government partially funded them.
The Cardinal’s Palace hosted Year 12 classes. Since 2005, the college has fully used the Cardinal’s Palace. It is used for administration, leadership and staff. In 2015, the Waterford Centre was added. It has views of Sydney’s Middle Harbour. It provides a large multi-purpose space for sport and assembly.
In 1982, Brian Mayne became the first lay principal. Since then, there have been seven lay principals. Michael Reid has been the principal since 2021.
The College Year starts with Mass. It is usually at Mary Immaculate Church Manly. Assemblies throughout the year commemorate religious festivals. These include Ash Wednesday, ANZAC Day and Christmas. Students raise funds for charity. They support Project Compassion and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
The Dux of the college is recognised at the annual Year in Review. The college awards trophies to high-achieving sportsmen. The Parents’ and Friends’ Association supports the college.
The St Pauls Catholic College crest displays the Cross of Christ. Its Celtic form connects to the Christian Brothers’ Irish founder. The star represents the Blessed Virgin Mary. Red symbolizes zeal and courage. Black symbolizes hope for personal success. The college motto is Prima Primum. It means First things first. It challenges students to prioritize wisely.
St Pauls Catholic College offers many co-curricular activities. These include chess, music and social justice programs. Sports include football, basketball, cricket and surfing.
Notable alumni include film director Baz Luhrmann. Also Ryan Kwanten film and television actor and Matt Nable film and television actor and author and former NRL player.
From 2025 St Pauls Catholic College will enrol young women and men. The College looks forward to meeting the emerging needs of our local community.
St Pauls Catholic College is more than just a school. It’s a community. It’s a place where young men and women are formed. They become leaders with a commitment to justice and respect. The St Pauls Catholic College graduate is independent confident and resilient. They are prepared to make their mark on the world.