HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE SAINT MARY MACKILLOP

Mary MacKillop Catholic College opened on Tuesday, 21 January 2003.

58 students and their families were part of a small community who worked hard with diligence, planning and above all faith and trust in God to see a Catholic school open in the growing area of Highfields.

This was to be the first new Catholic school in the Toowoomba Diocese in 38 Years.

In April 2000 an educational need was identified for Highfields and surrounds.

Under the guidance of the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Education Board and members of the local community, the site and land were identified and purchased with the plan to build a new school.

The name Mary MacKillop, who founded the Sisters of St Joseph in Australia, was selected and the building began.

Construction of the school began on the 21 August 2002 with five classrooms, a preschool, a multipurpose room and administration building.

From this beginning, we have continued to expand, leading the way forward in the region as a modern Prep to Year 12 College.

Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Melbourne, Australia.

From an early age, Mary felt a sense of God’s presence, dedicating her life to the service of the poor and those who had no one to look after them.

Mary opened orphanages, providences to care for the homeless, refuges for ex-prisoners and many schools. This great Australian woman inspired God’s work in the then new colonies.

In today’s world, she stands as an example of great courage and trust in living out God’s loving and compassionate care of those in need.

“Never see a need without doing something about it” Mary MacKillop.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was:

A woman of faith and courage who committed to engaging minds

A woman of strength and perseverance who believed in igniting hearts

A woman of compassion and unfailing love who devoted herself to serving others

COllege MOttO