Samuel and Mary celebrate St Mary’s 170th birthday and inset, grade three students in 1939. 80544 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
THE oldest primary school in Melbourne is turning 170 years old this month – the exact date however, is a mystery.
Williamstown’s St Mary’s Primary School was established in a timber chapel in 1842 but Principal Jim Sheedy said the exact date it opened is still unknown.
“We’re still trying to find out the date,” he said.
“No documents record the start date, but we know it started sometime in May.”
Mr Sheedy said the school has put in several requests including one to the National Archives to dig up the date.
Since the school opened there have been three school buildings erected on the site.
The present building was officially blessed and opened on 19 January 1926.
Mr Sheedy said it was a great privilege to work at a school with such a vast history.
“Historically, I’m the first male principal in 110 years,” he said.
The school has been preparing for the celebration for more than 12 months and last Tuesday marked the milestone with an anniversary mass.
All students were given a specially commissioned cupcake and an anniversary cake was cut by Parish Priest Father Greg Trythall, Mr Sheedy and School Captains Mary and Sam.
The school will hold several celebratory events throughout the year including a special mass on Sunday 29 July followed by an open day of the school and light refreshments.
For more information about the celebrations call St Mary’s Primary School on 9397 7926.
