Proudly Part Of The Community Of Sydney Catholic Schools

Why choose our college?

Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich is a unique place for girls to learn, explore, discover and grow. Infused with the Marist spirit, our school’s strong family atmosphere nurtures students individual needs so they become critical thinkers, capable networkers, independent learners and team players. 

As a girls’ only school, our students develop and refine themselves by participating in STEM, sport, the arts and academia through the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program. Effective teaching and wellbeing programs equip our young women to meet the challenges of further study, professional workplaces and global responsibility.

Principal’s Message

It is my genuine delight to welcome you to Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich (MSCW), a thriving educational and faith community situated in beautiful leafy grounds overlooking the Lane Cove River, just a few kilometres from the heart of Sydney.

Marist Sisters’ College is an outstanding all-girls’ secondary college informed by the Marist Sisters’ tradition, originally established in Lyon, France. Founded in 1908, Marist Sisters’ College has been educating young women to be ‘Marist women of action’ across the world for over 100 years. 

As principal, it is my privilege to lead and nurture such a strong learning and faith-centred community.  We are a community inspired by our recently refreshed vision: ‘Developing a Compass for Life‘ for every girl. At the heart of this vision are four key dimensions, which engage our energies:

  • Formation of positive ‘sisterly’ relationships, preparing girls to thrive in any community,
  • Identification of student ‘gifts’ which are explored, refined and applied,
  • Leadership experiences and opportunities, which ‘empower’ young women to be generous and proactive,
  • Fostering ‘courage’ and tenacity in ethical discernment built on justice.

By nurturing curiosity and imagination, each girl develops her Marist Compass allowing her to be well equipped, to successfully navigate life and make a valuable contribution to a better community and world.

Graduates of Marist Sisters’ College are highly regarded for their excellent academic performance, energetic participation in the arts, public speaking and a range of sports to representative level; capacity to build positive networks; and their community outreach ventures, both in Australia and overseas.

I invite you to journey through our website to gain a small glimpse of the vitality, adventures and happiness that abound in our Marist community – a community on the move.

Dr Anne Ireland
PhD, M. Ed (Leadership), M. Arts (Theological Studies), B Ed.

Marist College Woolwich HistoryHistory
In 1908, a group of Marist Sisters – French, English and Irish, sailed to Sydney to establish the Marist Sisters’ College at Woolwich. In 1909, there were 12 boarders and 20 day pupils. From 1910, the college enrolled both boys and girls in the primary grades.

Both primary and secondary education continued at the college until 1942, when the college had to be evacuated to St Anne’s, Mittagong, because the war in the Pacific presented a growing danger. In 1943, only seven Sisters and 30 pupils remained at Woolwich. 

In 1963, it was announced that the primary school would leave Woolwich and move to another location. In 1969, there were 518 girls and 14 teachers (nine religious and five lay) and by 1980, the Sisters had moved to Marian House at 64 Woolwich Road. The former convent was converted into six classrooms in 1985. 

In 1998, the staff and administration areas were renovated and many original features restored. The college population was close to 800, and there were 60 teachers, with a religious principal.

2010 marked the end of the religious leadership era at Marist Sister’s College Woolwich. After 26 years as principal, Sr Fidelis McTeigue SM retired and Mrs Christina Trimble was appointed as the college’s first lay principal, followed in 2015 by current principal, Dr Anne Ireland.  

Charism
Our Marist school was founded by the Marist Sisters, in the tradition of our French foundress, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin. As such, our school is under the special protection of our heavenly mother, Mary.

Through the Gospels and the inspiration of Mary, we find the qualities of truth, diligence and honour. These values are lived through the college’s motto:

Virtus Super Omnia – ‘Goodness Above All‘

The college is committed to the education of girls in the Marist tradition in an environment that is:

  • Christ-centred and life giving
  • Respectful and proud of our Marian heritage
  • Innovative and based on quality teaching and learning
  • Focused on service: motivating girls to be outward looking global citizens.

Our Marist Vision – The Marist Compass
Our school is committed to bringing the story of Mary alive and making it relevant to our Marist girls. To do this, we provide formational experiences for each of our students, which enable them to live life to the full. These experiences provide opportunities for them to ‘think, judge, feel and act’ as Mary would. By doing so, we assist them to navigate their way through all aspects of life – the heart of our work.

Our aim is for all members of the college community, through the symbolism of the ‘Marist Compass’, to assist every student to develop their own compass. This will enable and encourage students to contribute to the greater good, value their self-worth, make a unique impact on the world and nurture a love of life.

Our Parish Priest, Fr Brian Wilson regularly presides over all our college liturgical celebrations such as Feast Days, House Patron Days and Graduation Mass.

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church Hunters Hill
A: 3 Mary St, Hunters Hill NSW 2110
P: (02) 9817 5325
E: villamar@bigpond.net.au
W: www.hnom.com.au


Mass Times

Day Time
Saturday 8.00am, 6.00pm
Sunday 8:00am, 10.00am, 6.00pm
Monday-Friday  9.00am


St Peter Chanel Catholic Church Woolwich
A: Futuna St, Woolwich NSW 2110
P: (02) 9817 5325
E: villamar@bigpond.net.au
W:  www.hnom.com.au

Mass Times

Day Time
Sunday 9:00am

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Proudly Part of the Community of Sydney Catholic Schools

Our school is part of a system of 147 low-fee Catholic schools in the Sydney Archdiocese.

Sydney Catholic Schools are thriving Catholic communities that ignite a love of Christ through excellent teaching and learning to empower students to reach their full potential.