St Patrick's College Townsville Limited

St Patrick's College Townsville Limited is a nonprofit organization that operates St Patrick's College, an independent Catholic girls' high school and boarding school located in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia. The organization is registered under Australian Business Number (ABN) 30153409413RR0001 and is dedicated to delivering quality education within the Mercy tradition.

History and Background

St Patrick's College was established in the late 19th century, around 1878, by Irish nuns from the Sisters of Mercy order. The Sisters of Mercy were significant pioneers in North Queensland education, founding the college as a monument to their mission of faith-based learning and community service. The official opening of the school is recorded as 1 January 1904.

The college has a rich history of adaptation and growth. During World War II, the college buildings were requisitioned for military use by the Women's Royal Australian Air Force, necessitating temporary relocation of students and boarding facilities. Through the 1960s and 1970s, St Patrick's College adapted to evolving educational standards and examination criteria imposed by governmental educational departments. Government grants during this period enabled the development of new facilities such as a library, science laboratories, social science and language classrooms, and computer technology infrastructure.

Continuing its commitment to holistic education, the college has engaged its students with broader societal initiatives, including participation in events such as the United Nations Youth Summit in 2008.

Mission and Educational Philosophy

Functioning as a Catholic independent school, St Patrick's College operates within the Mercy tradition, emphasizing the promotion of "fullness of life" through education. The institution fosters faith, identity, and academic excellence, nurturing young women in a supportive environment from Year 7 through Year 12.

Notable Alumni

Among the school's notable alumni are:

• Madge Ryan, a respected Australian actress.

• Valma Weetman, who served as a Corporal in the Royal Australian Air Force during the 1950s.

Significance

St Patrick's College Townsville Limited represents a key educational nonprofit entity in North Queensland, maintaining a legacy that integrates Catholic values, academic rigor, and community involvement. As the oldest operational girls' high school in Townsville, it continues to serve its community through dedicated educational programs and a commitment to the principles established by its founding Sisters of Mercy.

This article is based on historical and institutional information related to St Patrick's College, Townsville.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick's_College,_Townsville [2] https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au [3] https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/our-college/religious-education/ [4] https://www.stpatricks.qld.edu.au/discover-st-patricks/get-to-know-st-patricks/timeline [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick's_Convent,_North_Ward