The background of Marist Brothers schools originate with the Founder of Marist education and of the Marist Brothers, Saint Marcellin Champagnat (1789-1840) (bio here). He established 47 schools, work was continued by his Marist Brothers in 50 countries.
History of the school
The first Marist school in Australia began in Sydney in 1872 and others were founded in quick succession in all the mainland States. Marist College Canberra's history began at the Rocks in Sydney in 1875. At the time even primary schooling made one well educated. In 1887 the school moved to St Mary's Cathedral. In 1910 the school was run down and the Brothers decided to construct new buildings at Darlinghurst and the school moved there.
The school prospered until the changing demographics by the 1960s initiated it's closure. At the same time the National Capital needed Catholic schools. The decision was taken to sell the property and to use the proceeds to transfer the school to Canberra.
Marist Canberra primary began in 1968. In 1973 the main secondary school began. Marist is now one of the largest schools in the ACT. In Canberra a 'Marist' education is highly regarded and highly sought after. Marist College has a long complex history in it's beginnings 120 years ago right up to the schools Canberra connection of over 35 years.
In my day most of the teachers were Marist Brothers with a few lay teachers (70's). There were up to 20 Marist Brothers at any one time living in the Monastry on the school grounds. Today there are a few Brothers with most being lay teachers today.
Located at Marr Street, Pearce, Woden Valley, Canberra ACT
Marist College website history page is (here)
Old Boy's contact information (here)
At school our motto was ;
'Servo Fidum is our cry,
drop your dacks and hang an eye'
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