History
St Brigid’s College, Lesmurdie was established by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, West Perth Congregation in 1929 to provide for a superior boarding school to that which had been a part of St Brigid’s School West Perth since its inception in 1888.
The College property was originally owned by Archibald and Maude Sanderson. The Heritage Building was commenced in 1913 when Archibald Sanderson established a private day and boarding school. Herbert Perry, Architect, prepared the plans, which were based on the style of the home of Cecil Rhodes on the slopes of Table Mountain, Groote Schuur.
In 1919, with the end of the Great War, the building was sold to the Red Cross to be rented to the Repatriation Department to house sick and wounded soldiers. During this period the building was completed and oak trees from Windsor Castle were planted in the grounds.
In 1929, the building was let to the Perth Hospital as a convalescent home. Later in that same year, it was sold to the Sisters of Mercy for 9000 pounds. It was purchased by the Congregational Superior, Reverend Mother Brigid Watson and brought to fruition a dream of finding a healthier and more open environment for the students of St Brigid’s School, West Perth. On 21 April 1929, Mother Teresa Rielly and seven Sisters took up residence with their first pupils – 35 boarders and 3 day students.
In 1938 a new two-storey building consisting of classrooms and music rooms was added on the north side. In 1965, the Sisters’ Convent and Chapel, now part of the Secondary Section, were built at the rear of the original building.
In 1990, a new residential house was opened to accommodate 157 boarders. The boarders’ accommodation provided is now second to none in terms of comfort and care. 1995 saw the amalgamation of the Primary and Secondary Schools.
The vision of St Brigid, Catherine McAuley and The Sisters of Mercy to bring education to young women, has continued in our commitment to provide an education that remains in step with the demands of the 21st century. The College’s ongoing building program ensures students have access to state-of-the-art facilities in the learning environment. The McAuley Wing Science and Technology Centre and the Fitness Centre incorporating an indoor heated swimming pool, are a testament to this.
In 2005, the College was notified by the Heritage Council that it had been entered into the Register of Heritage Places.
The grounds and buildings of St Brigid’s College provide the students with a sense of honouring the heritage and history of the College while providing them with open spaces and beautiful surroundings in appreciation of the Mercy tradition.
Mercy Sisters
Our College was founded as a peaceful outpost of the original St Brigid’s Convent and school in West Perth. In 1928, Mother Brigid Watson had the vision and foresight to purchase the building and grounds from the Red Cross.
The six Sisters and thirty-five boarding students who journeyed up the hill in April 1929 were to find the Heritage building in need of some hard work and cleaning in order to establish dormitories, classrooms and a Chapel.
In the tradition of their foundress, Venerable Catherine McAuley, the first Principal Mother Therese Reilly organised the tasks required and over the next 20 years established a College of fine reputation in a splendid setting.
The commitment of the Docherty family and in particular the three Docherty sisters established the lawns and ensured that food and laundry was of a high standard.
Sisters worked hard teaching all day and looking after the boarding students at night, supervising meals and study and rising very early in the mornings for prayers and Mass. At all times they instilled in the girls a pursuit of excellence. Sr Phillip Shine will be remembered for developing of a strong tradition in musical performance.
Sr Pius and Sr Mary Rose worked tirelessly for many years and left a mark on generations of young women who went out to the world to make a difference as they lived lives of Mercy in Action having been inspired by the loving community created at St Brigid’s College by the wonderful Sisters of Mercy.
We keep alive the memory of these Mercy sisters through our buildings, awards and houses, which carry their names into the future and provide us with opportunities to retell their stories and be inspired once again.
College Prayer
Lord,
help me to grow to be,
that for which You have destined me.
Give me, O God, a sense of responsibility.
A sense of responsibility to Christ,
so that I may always remember that He loves me
and He gave of Himself to me.
A sense of responsibility to myself,
so that I may never waste the gifts which You have given me.
A sense of responsibility to my family,
to my friends, to others,
to those who have gone before me,
and to the world.
A sense of responsibility to protect and nurture God’s creation
so that future generations may enjoy God’s gifts.
Amen
Location
St Brigid’s College is situated in the hills of Perth, approximately 25 minutes from the Central Business District of Perth. The College is centrally located in the Lesmurdie area and is serviced by well-established public and private transport links to the city and surrounding areas.
The College’s exquisite gardens and undulating lush lawns create an ambience which replicates the rich Heritage which makes St Brigid’s so unique. The leafy surroundings and relaxing atmosphere provide a perfect, safe setting for learning.
St Brigid’s College is located at:
200 Lesmurdie Rd
LESMURDIE WA 6076