Star of the Sea College

Envision a time before Brighton’s bustling streets, before the iconic bathing boxes graced the shore. In 1883, a group of Presentation Sisters, hailing from Ireland at the request of Father James Corbett, embarked on a mission to establish a school for girls. They settled in Gardenvale, then known as Elsternwick, and chose a house called “Turret Lodge” with a breathtaking view of the bay. This became the birthplace of Star of the Sea College. The sisters, Mother John Byrne and Mother Paul Fay, named their burgeoning institution after a guiding light for seafarers – “Star of the Sea,” a title bestowed upon Mary, mother of Jesus. Star of the Sea College quickly became a beacon of education for young women in the area. The college’s motto, “Facta Non Verba” – Deeds Not Words – emphasizes the importance of action over empty promises. This principle has guided generations of students to become active and contributing members of their community and church. The school’s early history involved establishing its house system. In the 1930s, principal Mother Angela Johnston created two houses: Nagle (blue), honoring Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Sisters, and Stella (red), meaning “star” in Latin. Later, in 1948, two more houses were added: Ave (yellow), derived from “Ave Maria,” and Fay (green), commemorating co-founder Mother Paul Fay. The campus also expanded in 1997 with the acquisition of the historic ANZAC hostel, a 40-room mansion built in 1874 and repurposed as a Year 9 campus. The Star of the Sea College’s commitment to holistic education extends beyond academics. It offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from athletics and swimming to arts and music. The renowned a cappella choir, Stacella, founded in 1996, showcases the students’ talents through performances and CD releases. The college also fosters global awareness through student exchange programs with Germany, Italy, and Japan, broadening the horizons of its students. From its humble beginnings in “Turret Lodge” to its present-day prominence, Star of the Sea College has remained steadfast in its mission to empower young women. It has prepared them not just for academic success but also for a life of faith, service, and leadership.