Key moments in SPC history

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1802 Edmund Ignatius Rice (1762-1844), a wealthy Roman Catholic missionary and founder of the Christian Brothers, established the first night school in New Street, Waterford, Ireland, to educate the poor.
1844 Three Christian Brothers arrived in Sydney to help set up Catholic Schools without success.
1850s The original Tunbridge property is on the site of the College facing Sturt Street — a mining poppet in the background.
1858 The Tannery Mining Company opened a shaft under the College in 1858. In 1861, the Copenhagen Company operated the mine. From 1866 to 1870, the Inkerman and Durham Junction Company ran the mine. Mining ceased in 1870 with a total yield of 55,642 grams of gold.
1868 The second contingent of Christian Brothers came to Australia and landed in Melbourne. Under the guidance of Br Ambrose Treacy, they established schools in Australia and New Zealand.
1876 The Christian Brothers came to Ballarat at the invitation of the first Catholic Bishop, the Most Reverend Michael O’Connor, D.D., to commence teaching in a wooden building in Skipton Street called St Patrick’s.
1883 The Most Reverend James Moore, D.D., appointed Bishop of Ballarat.
1887 The Most Reverend James Moore, D. D., purchased three and a half acres of land on Sturt Street with a Gothic-style residence named Tunbridge Folly, built around the 1870s, replacing the original residence with a vision to open a boarding school for boys.
1888 Reverand James Moore returns from Europe to Ballarat with four Holy Ghost Fathers and four Brothers of the same order to establish a boarding school.
1889 The new College opened with a Chapel, dormitory, classrooms, refectory, and kitchen called the Holy Ghost College to cater to future boarders. Officially opened by Archbishop Carr of Melbourne.
1891 – 1892 The Holy Ghost College closed due to challenging factors, including the deaths of two Fathers, administration conflicts, and the challenging climate. The order recalled back to Europe on January 4, 1892.
1891 Bishop Moore continued advocating for the College to remain open with the support of a Christian Brother, Br P.A. Tracey, who sent a telegram to his Council in Dublin.
1892 Bishop Moore hands over the deeds to Br P.A. Treacy to open the school as St Patrick’s College, with four Christian Brothers chosen to teach from Ireland.
1893 St Patrick’s College opened on January 24, 1893, welcoming 15 boarding and 9-day students.
1893 Andrew Mulquiney (SPC 1893-1894) the first boarder, and Thomas McManamny (SPC 1893) the first-day student.
1893 St Patrick College Football Premiers 1st XVIII in 1893.
1896 The 1st XI cricket team won premierships in 1896, 1897, and 1898. This photograph taken in 1900.
1897 Handball introduced to the College by the Irish Christian Brothers.
1898 The first Debating Class formed on February 19.
1898 The first edition of the College Annual with editors M.F. Quinn and F.E. Daly College students.
1898 St Patrick’s College wins the Football Championship against Ballarat College and Grenville College.
1899 The Old Collegians’ Association formed.
1899 A new hall and gymnasium built and later named in honour of Sir Bernard Heinze AC, musician, and conductor. The Sir Bernard Heinze Theatre refurbished in 2019.
1899 Handball courts built. Additional courts added in 1902 and1906 due to popularity.
1900 Michael Quinn (SPC 1893-1894) the first St Patrick’s College Old Collegian to be ordained. Thomas Hurley the first to be ordained as a student at the Holy Ghost College, and his name appears on the College’s Honour Board.
1901 Waterford wing classroom block built.
1902 The College purchased Longford House. The top story removed in 1916 and renamed Kenny. The building demolished in 1978. Originally built in 1857 and owned by T.D. Wanliss. Stone marker near O’Malley Sports Stadium.
1903 Rowing introduced. The first boathouse built near the southeastern corner of Lake Wendouree, close to the end of Pleasant Street.
1903 – 1905 The College recreational ovals, known as the Holy Ghost Paddocks, purchased and named Main, Shed, Roch’s, and Hill Ovals, including a weatherboard residence on Shed Oval owned by Sir John Madden in 1903, later named St Roch Infirmary, demolished in 1934.
1907 The College Juvenile Choir debuted at South Street, and the boys won first place in the competition.
1909 A new, more spacious rowing shed built on the edge of Lake Wendouree, opposite Service Street.
1909 The former library and billiard room between Sir Bernard Heinze Theatre and the Waterford Wing constructed from the walls of the handball courts built in 1902.
1909 The southern classrooms nearest to the Pavilion built to teach science.
1909 Jerks Ball Court Pavilion built. In 2008, relocated to the southern end of the oval near Russel and Alfred Streets. Originally located where the Pavilion is now.
1911 St Patrick’s College joins the Australian Catholic Colleges Athletics Carnival and the Ballarat Public Schools Association.
1913 The College performs The Merchant of Venice, written by William Shakespeare.
1914 The College won the first Head of the Lake rowing event in 1914 and again in 1915.
1914 – 1919 Approximately 300 Old Collegians’ volunteered for service in WWI, with the unfortunate loss of 49 men who died in active service.
1919 A new building called McCarthy to support the increase of boarders. Today, it is known as the Healy Centre. The original Christian Brothers crest and its motto, Signum Fidei (The Symbol of our Faith), are engraved in the concrete above the building.
1920 A new college crest adopted, with the motto, Facere et Docere, To Do and To Teach.
1922 The Old Collegians’ Association gifted a marble tablet honouring the Old Boys who served in WWI. The tablet is attached to the former library and billiard room in the Waterford Wing.
1928 Brother W ‘Bill’ O’Malley arrived at SPC coaching the 1st XVIII, and remained at the College until he died in 1976.
1928 A new toilet block and change room at the end of Waterford Wing added. Renovated in 1963-1964, with a new roof and a dividing wall. The end wall is the remnants of the Handball Courts, built in 1906.
1932 St Patrick’s College won the Catholic Schools Athletics for the second time since 1911, including the following year, 1933.
1932 The Brothers’ residence and administration building, originally known as Tunbridge Folly, demolished—some of the original bluestone is enshrined in Chapel Court from the foundations of the first Tunbridge property built in the 1850s.
1932 Opening of the new sports grandstand, now known as The Br. R.S. Stewart Theatre, named in honour of Br Stewart, Headmaster of the College, 1966, 1970-1972. Refurbished in 2010.
1932 Champion Choir, 1st place South Street Competition with Br. JD. Murtagh congratulated on the win, producing exceptional performances.
1933 Opening the new Brothers’ residence, administration, and kitchen at the rear of Kennedy House. The building is named after Br. J.S. Kennedy, a founding member of the Christian Brothers.
1933 The boiler house constructed to provide much-needed heating.
1935 The College Chronicle published between 1935 and 1955, connecting readers to the spirit of the College. The publication suspended in 1942, and 1943 and 1944 were combined.
1935 The first statue of St Patrick’s placed in the front gardens. Pellegrini and Co. donated the statue to remember their son Gino (SPC 1919-1922).
1937 Each of the four contesting rowing crews won its race at the Head of the Lake regatta, the first crew breaking a new record.
1938 Roch’s Infirmary demolished to extend the playing fields.
1938 The College ‘War Cry’ chanted. Its origins are unknown. The song published in the 1938 Chronicle, and the Victory Song published in 1949. The ‘War Cry’ chant mentioned in the 1928 Annual.
1939 To accommodate the growing number of boarders, a new dormitory wing built named Purton, in honour of former Principal Br. D.G. Purton.
1939 – 1945 Around 680 SPC Old Collegians’ fought in WWII, with almost 40 killed in action.
1940 The Purton Oratory Award commences, in honour of Br. D.G. Purton. First student to win the award, J. Feery.
1942 Mr Walter Gude (SPC staff 1901-1942), taught Sir Bernard Heinze, retired from teaching violin and music after 41 years.
1944 The new statue of St Patrick the College’s Patron Saint replaces the previous vandalized one.
1946 The Cadet unit re-established at the College. The first Cadets formed from 1908 to 1920.
1949 The foundation stone of the new Memorial Chapel dedicated to the Old Collegians’ who gave their lives in two World Wars laid.
1950 St Peter’s Minor Seminary established through the purchase of McCunnie House, named after the College Chaplin 1953-1959. In 1972, senior boarding occupied the home. The house originally built in 1903.
1952 The College purchased McCann House, named after Br. J.C. McCann, Headmaster (1926-1930), from the Troup family. Originally built in the early 1900s and named Dallata.
1952 The 1st XVIII Football team wins the premiership in the Ballarat Public School competition, with John James (SPC 1948-1952) kicking 83 goals for the season.
1953 The opening of the War Memorial Chapel built to remember Old Collegians’ who served in the armed forces.
1955 R.V. Monahan QC (SPC 1913-1914) became the first Old Collegian appointed to a Supreme Court Judge.
1955 1st Rowing crew won the Head of the Lake title for the first time since 1937.B. Hickey (cox), V. Colbert (stroke), C. Castle, T. Scarff (2) B. Vear (bow).
1956 The students performed the first Gilbert and Sullivan Opera, Trial by Jury.
1956 John Gerald Hayden (SPC 1913-1917, Dux) appointed to the second chair of medicine at the University of Melbourne.
1957 Brian Gleeson (SPC 1947-1952) won the Victorian Football League (VFL) Brownlow Medal.
1958 The College acquires a Corner Shop at the intersection of Alfred and Sturt Street. Previously known as the Tannery Hotel, built in the 1860s.
1960 The life-size painting of our Patron Saint ‘St Patrick’ is completed. Artist Alex Szolomiak from Tasmania also painted a similar painting for St Patrick’s College Launceston.
1961 John James (SPC 1948-1952) the second Collegian to win the Victorian Football League (VFL) Brownlow Medal.
1961 Head of the Lake winning team. T. Baker (Bow), B. Kelly, M. Ireland, A. McDonough (Stroke), P. Zala (Cox).
1964 Hill Oval mullock heaps and trees removed for the New Science Block named O’Malley.
1965 During excavations for the construction of the O’Malley Wing, contractors came across an original light rail track from the 1850s that ran along one of the drives of the main mining shaft.
1966 The W.T. O’Malley Science Wing completed with the first government grant of $40,000 to assist with construction costs.
1967 St Patrick’s College students formed an Aboriginal Advancement Group to sponsor the education of Aboriginal students.
1967 Fire, suspected of being deliberately lit, destroys the College boat shed.
1969 The new Boathouse opened on April 13 to remember WWI and WWII Old Collegians’.
1970 Inauguration of a ‘Student Council’ system from a variation of the ‘Prefect’ system established in 1931.
1972 Soccer, Hockey, and Swimming added to competitive sports.
1972 St Peter’s Minor Seminary House changed to a boarding home named McCunnie House.
1973 The Advisory Board of Management and the Building Appeal Committee formed.
1974 Sir Bernard Heinze (SPC 1905-1912) named Australian of the Year for his services to music. In 1979 he became the first Australian to receive the UNESCO International Music Council Award.
1974 The College purchased Evelyn Troup’s residence at 2 Wanliss Road. The two-story home functioned as residential quarters for the College’s Matrons and an improved infirmary.
1976 The new Kelty Resource Centre, Library, and Staff room, including the Edmund Rice Centre, ERC, opened.
1976 Miller Wing, previously known as Pawson Biology Laboratory. First constructed in 1976, with alterations in 1980 and 2008.
1976 Br. W.M. O’Malley dies. In 1977 Br. O’Malley , posthumously awarded the British Empire Medal for services to education and sport.
1978 Kenny House built as a boarding facility and changed to administration offices in 2002.
1981 The new gymnasium, the O’Malley Sports Centre, formally opened and named in honour of Br. O’Malley.
1982 Nangle House purchased. Built in 1901 by Alfred Tunbridge, named Dimora.
1983 Old Chapel demolished. Built by the Holy Ghost Fathers in 1888.
1983 The Technology and Arts building completed and is now known as the Trade Wing.
1983 The first time Loreto and St Patrick’s College collaborated in a musical, H.M.S. Pinafore, by Gilbert and Sullivan.
1984 The new administration wing built from the bequest of Dr. Donald Spring (SPC 1923-1930)
1984 A statue of Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers, donated from the estate of the late Edmund Williams (SPC 1932-1937).
1987 Jack Morrissey Score Board, the first coach of St Patrick’s Football,1905-06, 1908-1924, 1946. An electronic scoreboard added in 2014.
1988 The first College Board is established.
1990 After 29 years, St Patrick’s College wins the Head of the Lake. Named the ‘drought-breakers’, Anthony Edwards, (stroke), Daniel Hayter, Aaron McInerney, Robert Calnon, and Daniel Morgan (cox).
1990 The College’s Foundation Committee established. In 1992 it became incorporated.
1992 St Patrick’s College wins the Head of the Lake, Liam Ryan (stroke), Damien Vodusek, Nicholas Rieniets, Bryan Goss, and Ashley Sims (cox).
1992 The College Cadet Until disbanded. The Timber Cadets Honour Board, unveiled around 1965, acknowledges the Officers from 1954.
1994 Kelty Resource Centre refurbishment, including boarding facilities.
1997 The boathouse extension and renovation opened by Old Collegians’ and Olympians Steve Moneghetti (SPC 1975-1980) and Anthony Edwards (SPC 1985-1990).
2000 Old Collegians’ played a prominent part in the Olympic Torch celebrations. Anthony Edwards (SPC 1985-1990) rowed across Lake Wendouree from the Olympic Rings to the Colleges Boathouse and passed the Olympic Torch to Steve Moneghetti (SPC 1975-1980).
2000 Three Old Collegians represented Australia in the Sydney Olympic Games: Steve Moneghetti (SPC 1975-1980), Anthony Edwards (SPC 1985-1990), and Christian Ryan (SPC 1992-1995).
2002 A memorial garden established in memory of the mothers of St Patrick’s College, located near the Edmund Rice Statue.
2002 Dr. Peter Casey, the first lay Headmaster at St Patrick’s College, appointed (SPC 2002-2014).
2004 The Br. W.J. Wilding Wing opened, named in honour of a former Principal (SPC 1979-1984).
2007 The College formed the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, described as a commitment and expansion of the College’s Indigenous Program: First graduate Tylah Saunders and fellow scholarship holder Calvin Anzac.
2008 The Old Collegian’s Association Pavilion is opened.
2008 The Chris Nolan Awards acknowledges the academic excellence of students. Chris Nolan, College Captain; Richard Reilly, Vice Captain (SPC 1980-1985) Chris seated with Mary Nolan and Richard Reilly.
2008 The first Art Exhibition, known as the Flanagan Art Exhibition held at the College.
2008 The Miller Wing opens in honour of Br. Raymond Matthias Miller, (SPC 1970-1989).
2010 The Refurbished Br. T.F. Kearney Stand, named in honour of Br Kearney, Coach of the 1st XVIII, 1977-1980. Headmaster of the College 1985-1988. Originally built in 1933.
2011 Re-establishing the Indigenous outdoor space, Yimullandburdoo, behind the Br. R.S. Stewart Theatre.
2011 Refurbishment of the O’Malley wing completed.
2011 The electronic scoreboard at the Main Oval completed.
2012 Opening of the Sir Hugh Devine wing named in honour of Sir Hugh Devine famous surgeon (SPC 1893-1894).
2012 The Jo Walter Field opens with six tennis courts, hockey, and soccer pitch, recognising the outstanding contribution to the College made by the Ladies Auxiliary between 1976-1986.
2012 Refurbishment of the turf practice wickets and the main cricket nets area completed.
2012 The sandy beach volleyball pitch added.
2013 120th anniversary of the College. The College farewells the resident ‘Christian Brothers’ and acknowledges their tremendous contribution to educating hundreds of boys over 120 years.
2013 The first recipient of the College Facere et Docere award is presented to Michael Brady (SPC 1956-1962, SPC Staff 1978-2013).
2014 The Treacy Wing opened in honour of Br P.A. Treacy, who led the Christian Brothers to Australia in 1868.
2014 The College announces its selection of the top twenty-two Old Collegians’ who played football at the highest level in the past 120 years. The event raised over $5,000 at a gala dinner.
2015 The College 1st XVIII football team won six consecutive Herald Sun Shields premierships, the most any school has ever achieved.
2017 The opening of the New Whelan Food Technology Centre, previously located in Clontarf opened in 2000. Named after Dr. C.P. (Con) Whelan OBE, (SPC 1921-1925).
2017 A reflective garden is opened as a formal apology to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
2018 New boarding facilities on Alfred Street welcome boarders from Years 7 to 12.
2018 A major celebration dinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the College’s 125th anniversary attended by more than 400 people. Principal, John Crowley (SPC 2015-2020)
2019 Old Collegians’ Association Year 12 Study Centre opens, a dedicated space supporting students with tutors and coordinators.
2020 Wanliss House, built in 1952 and purchased in 1974, demolished to make way for the new Performing Arts Centre.
2020 The first case of coronavirus confirmed in Australia on January 25. Schools must move to remote learning structures with teachers and students working from home.
2020 The refurbished reception area, previously known as Spring Reception, named after Dr. Donald Spring (SPC 1926-1931)
2021 The purchase of Leyton House at 1435 Sturt Street, previously leased during the 1970s for boarding and named Galvin House. This is the last purchase of homes in the late Victorian, Federation-style style, completing the college ownership of the entire block.
2021 Covid lockdowns continue as schools move to remote learning. Many events and activities cancelled. Jordan McDonald Year 11 (SPC 2017-2022).
2022 The Clontarf Indigenous Academy opened at the College to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, improving education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects. The area previously known as the Wheelan Food Centre. The building has remnants of the Holy Ghost College, built in 1888.
2022 St Patrick’s College re-joins the Associated Catholic Colleges, ACC sports competition which commenced in 1911 to 1975.
2022 The Main Oval redevelopment, reorientation, and car parking completed.
2023 Samuel Clark (SPC 2018-2023) is elected the first Indigenous College Captain. Djab Wurrung and Peek Whurrong man.
2023 Lawrence (Laurie) Larmer OAM, (SPC 1935-1940) WWII bomber pilot. One of the greatest war heroes who sought forgiveness and redemption passes away at ninety-nine.
2023 St Patrick’s College partners with Liverpool Football Club International Academy, one of the most successful English football clubs, to offer high-performance soccer education and training to the College.
2023 St Patrick’s College Celebrates 130 Years.
2024 Head of the Lake winners, Henry Reinehr (stroke seat), Paddy O’Brien, Jarvis McLean (coxen), Angus Murfett and Nedd Bennett.
2024 The College’s Main Oval picket fence officially opens with hundreds of personalised engraved plaques from Old Collegians’, and families added to the pickets. Principal, Steven O’Connor.
2024 The Colleges Performing Arts Centre officially opens. Including the Edmund Rice and Mary Power statue and basalt stepping stones described as Edmund Rice’s journey.
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