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  • Mother Emily

    1870

    Perth College CrestPerth College is one of the many schools established worldwide by the Community of the Sisters of the Church, an Order founded in England by Emily Ayckbown in 1870. The Community pioneered work in Christian education, child care and social welfare. Colonial work commenced in Canada, India and Australia in 1892.

  • Sisters

    1901

    Perth College CrestAt the request of Mother Emily, Sisters Vera, Rosalie and Susannah set sail on board the 'Australia' arriving in Fremantle on 20 November 1901. Sister Vera’s diary for that day records 'We arrived early this morning. It gave one such a strange feeling coming to our New Country ten thousand miles from home and knowing no one.'

  • Perth College Opening

    1902

    Perth College CrestBy 4 February 1902, Perth College opened the doors to 32 students in the St Mary's Church Hall at 40 Colin Street, West Perth. Amongst the first pupils enrolled were Lily and Violet Forrest who with their mother had travelled with the Sisters on board the 'Australia'.

  • Boarding House

    1903

    Perth College CrestEnrolments increased and expansion was necessary. 'Hawkesbury' in Bellevue Terrace accommodated Boarders and 'Cowandilla' in Kings Park Road the younger students. Other small private schools at St George’s Cathedral, Guildford, Kalgoorlie and St Albans Church all became part of Perth College.

  • Mt Lawley School

    1916

    Perth College CrestTo expand and consolidate this work, land was acquired in Mt Lawley, a new suburb with views to the city, Kings Park and the Swan River. Classes commenced in February 1916, with the official opening conducted by the Governor Sir Harry Barron on 4 March.

  • Chapel

    1927

    Perth College CrestSister Vera felt the School was incomplete without a Chapel. After much fundraising St Michael and All Angels, a late Gothic perpendicular style Chapel was constructed with locally manufactured stone. The inaugural service was held on 14 December 1927. Sadly, Sister Vera died on 29 June 1928, her vision realised.

  • Pool

    1932

    Perth College CrestThe crowded state of the public baths and the then tiresome journey for students to Crawley with two tram changes each way was the impetus for a 25 feet by 75 feet swimming pool to be built on site. The pool was officially opened in 1932 with a display of swimming and diving following the formalities.

  • Army

    1942

    Perth College CrestThe early and middle parts of 1941 were dark days in Western Australia. Invasions were not only feared, but justifiably expected as the Japanese turned their sights on Australia and began attacking the northern coastline. The 3rd Aust. Corps. AIF occupied the School as their operational headquarters from April 1942 - December 1943 under the leadership of Lieutenant General Gordon Bennett. Boarding students were evacuated to Parkerville and Mundaring.

  • Jennifer Roberts

    1968

    Perth College CrestMany Sisters capably led by Sister Rosalie worked tirelessly to develop the School structurally, academically, and spiritually until 1968 when the School was handed over to the Anglican Provincial Council. The first secular Principal, Jennefer Roberts commenced in 1969.

  • Centennary

    2002

    Perth College CrestMany events were planned to celebrate the Centenary of Perth College in 2002. After the annual St Michael's Day Service in St George's Cathedral, students carrying banners marched up to Bellevue Terrace in West Perth to acknowledge the commemorative plaque where 'Hawkesbury' once stood.

  • Science Building

    2006

    Perth College CrestOn 23 February 2006, the Jean Rogerson Science Centre was officially opened. This building was constructed with environmental aspects of design in mind while combining the most effective technological and practical teaching areas. Jean Rogerson attended Perth College from 1926-1935 and was one of the first Science graduates of the University of Western Australia.

  • Founders

    2011

    Perth College CrestCombining two existing properties and creating a purpose-built addition was a challenge for the architects charged with building an all-inclusive facility for Kindergarten to Year 2 students. Sister Linda Mary of the Community of the Sisters of the Church opened the Founders Centre for Early Learning on 29 July 2011, recognising the importance of education for girls established by our Founding Sisters.

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Perth College - Celebrating 110 Years

Celebrating 110 years

This year, Perth College celebrates 110 years of educating remarkable women. Our visual timeline and our celebration video reflect just a few of the momentous occasions throughout the last 110 years.

Thank you for sharing our journey with us.