History

St. Patrick's College, Strathfield was established in 1928

by the Christian Brothers for the youth in Western Sydney

 
 

and to provide teaching experience for student Brothers. It began with 39 boys and today provides education for approximately 1400 with a large waiting list for admission.

From the outset it provided a wide curriculum that included the sciences, music, art, drama, woodwork and technical drawing. It began with two science laboratories and now there are seven. Acquisition of land during the depression of the early thirties provided the College with a top class sportsfield for cricket, rugby and athletics. A Gymnasium, swimming pool, practice wickets and four additional sports fields supply further facilities. There is access on occasions to the Olympic Sports Centre at Homebush nearby.

What began as a single building in 1928 has now grown to more than ten with an administration centre employing ten people. Eight rooms have become more than fifty. In 1960 a school chapel was erected accommodating 250 people. The College Honour Boards list the names of fifty ex-student priests or Christian Brothers and of men who have attained distinction in professional fields or public life.

Headmasters of St. Patrick’s College

Rev. Br. M. B. Hanrahan 1928 Rev. Br. J. P. Hannigan 1962 – 1963
Rev. Br. E. S. Crowle 1929 – 1932 Rev. Br. H. C. Gygar 1964 – 1966
Rev. Br. M. E. Breen 1933 – 1935 Rev. Br. T. I. Casey 1967 – 1974
Br. J. V. Coghlan 1936– 1941,1945 – 1950 Rev. Br. W. R. Greening 1975 - 1980
Rev. Br. B. Quirke 1942 – 1943 Br. J. P. O’Shea 1981 – 1987
Rev. Br. M. M. O’Connor 1944 Br. J. Giacon 1988 – 1992
Rev. Br. R. B. Garvey 1951 – 1952 Mr. G. Smollett 1993 - 2007
Rev. Br. J. A. McGlade 1953 – 1955 Mr B. T. Roberts 2008 - present
Rev. Br. J. G. Hodda
1956 - 1961
   

The buildings and facilities are named after the following, all of whom taught at the College.

  • Brother Michael Benignus Hanrahan, M.A. (1877 - 1953)
  • Brother John Vincent Coghlan (1894 - 1987)
  • Brother Patrick Ignatius Hickey (1863 - 1927)
  • Brother James Gerald Hodda, B.A., B.Sc.(1917 - 1998)
  • Brother Graham Eric Raymer (1926 - 1953)
  • Brother John P Rewi Crichton, M.B.E. (1894 - 1985)
  • Brother James A McGlade, O.B.E., B.A., M.A.C.E.(1914 - Present)
  • Mr Anthony E Good (1918 - 1998)
    .

    Founded by The Christian Brothers

    in 1928

    .
  • Brother Patrick Finian Markwell, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. (1923 - 1985)
  • Mr T E Healey, B.A. (Q'land) (1907 - 1999)
  • Brother Bruce C Dean (1924 - 1999)
  • Brother Patrick Leo Duffy (1902 - 1979)
  • Brother Bernard Mark Dynes (1916 - 1989)
  • Mr. Noel Farrell (1973 - 1999)
  • Mr Michael Robson, B.A., Dip.Ed., M.Ed. (Admin) (1973 - present)
  • Mr Grahame Smollett, B.A., Dip.Ed., Dip. Sch. Admin., M. E.d. (R.E.), M.A.C.E.

THE CREST (1938)



The Shield: With its chevrons and bars, it is a symbol of strength and fortitude.

The Motto: Those who wear the crest pledge fidelity to the College motto ‘Luceat Lux Vestra’
(Let Your Light Shine); others inspired by your way of life will be helped to find God.

The Star: Seen mounting the Crest, it signifies that the College lights the way to knowledge and to
the Heavenly Father.