St Mary's Cathedral College, Sydney

St Mary's Cathedral College (SMCC) is a private, Catholic, secondary day school for boys', located in the Central Business District of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Founded in 1824, St Mary's currently caters for approximately 800 students from Years 5 to 12, and is attached to St Mary's Cathedral. The school is currently serviced by the Congregation of Christian Brothers and was the last school in Sydney to be served by Christian Brothers as both Principal and Deputy Principal.

History

St Mary's Cathedral College was established in 1824 as an elementary school by Reverend John Therry. The high school was established in 1828. It is one of the oldest Catholic schools in Australia.

St Mary's Cathedral College is conducted by the Christian Brothers and administered by the Catholic Education Office, Eastern Region. The Christian Brothers association with the school dates back to 1911.

Catholic education on the same site as St Mary's Cathedral has been continuous since 1824, except during the construction of the existing College buildings and the associated Bishops quarters (1987-1991). Schools on the site have been provided with staff by the Benedictine Monks (1824-1882), the Marist Brothers (1883-1910), Sisters of Charity (1883-1967), lay teachers, Christian Brothers and now Christian Brothers and lay staff.

Br. D Standen, CFC is the current College Headmaster alongside with the first assistant, Mr M. Hanratty.

Spirit

The College from the Domain Car Park Roof

The College supports a musical tradition, with close ties to the St Mary's Cathedral Choir, Sydney and the Cathedral Liturgies.

The College also supports sporting sides in all CBSA sports and carnivals. Other extra curricular activities students at the college may participate in include: Debating, Public Speaking, Mock Trial, Duke of Edinburgh, Soup Kitchen at the Vincentian Village and helping at the Matt Talbot homeless hostel. More recently, the college implemented the Fairtrade program run by Year 10 students. The project is lead by Brother Peter Hancock CFC

Being located next to St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney the mother church of Australia, is a significant boon to the Catholic spirituality taught to all students at the College.

St Mary's Cathedral College also celebrates the life and spirit of Edmund Ignatius Rice, the founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers.

Events

• School Concert at Sydney Town Hall
• College Swimming Carnival
• College Athletics Carnival
• CBSA Sports and Carnivals (Christian Brothers Sporting Association)
• CCC Carnivals (Combined Catholic Colleges)

Concert

Annually the college has a concert at Sydney's Town Hall consisting of all the bands, dramatic activities and other performances. The night is a tradition for the school with some special guests arriving on the night. Some Bands include: Junior Band, Senior Band, Concert Band and the Orchestra. Traditionally, Year 7 have an item unlike any other form

Notable alumni and staff

• Tom Brock, sports journalist (also attended Waverley College)
• Natalie Devenish, Author (Current teacher)
• Melina Marchetta, Author (Current part-time teacher)
• Maria Boyd, Author (Current teacher)
• Jim Dymock, Rugby League player/coach
• Mark Riddell, Rugby League Player
• Alvin Ceccoli, Football Player
• Vincent Crowe, Order of Australia Medal 2003 (Current teacher)
• Trent Trotter, South Sydney Toyota Cup Player
• Aaron Woods, West Tigers Toyota Cup Player

See also

• List of Non-Government schools in New South Wales
• List of Christian Brothers schools
• St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney
• St Mary's Cathedral Choir, Sydney

External links

• St Mary's Cathedral College Website