St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton Crest

School History

Catholic education in Singleton is believed to have commenced in 1845 in the charge of lay teachers Miss Rigney and then Mr and Mrs Coghlan.

From 1875 to 1974, the Sisters of Mercy developed and built up many of the traditions and buildings that have come to be associated with St Catherine’s College, St Francis Xavier’s Primary School and the Catholic Junior School (later St Francis Xavier’s Primary School and St Francis Xavier’s Infants School respectively).

The first of the present buildings of St Catherine’s College was officially opened in 1910. St Francis Xavier’s Primary School operated from its Cambridge Street address from 1868 until 2000 and the Singleton Catholic Junior School moved from Bathurst Street to Patrick Street in 1972. From 1975 until 2002, St Catherine’s College was run by the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese, who leased the buildings and grounds from the Sisters of Mercy.

The first lay principal was appointed to St Catherine’s in 1987, Mr Ken Rodwell. The first lay principal of St Francis Xavier’s Primary School was appointed in 1993, Mr Roger Whitney.

In 2000, following extensive consultation and planning by the school and parish community, the decision was made to develop the three separate schools into one Kindergarten to Year 12 college - a first for the diocese.

St Francis Xavier’s Primary School was closed, Years 3 and 4 moved to the Junior School site and Years 5 and 6 relocated to the high school site. In 2012, the K-12 concept was complete with all students and staff on one site.

The name St Catherine’s Catholic College was chosen by the community and a vision statement, crest, motto, school colours, uniform and houses were created.

In 2002, the site was purchased from the Sisters of Mercy and with the assistance of three Commonwealth grants, funding from the Diocesan Building Levy Programme and St Patrick’s Parish, a building programme for new facilities was commenced.

New buildings completed up to the present date house include an administration block, canteen, science labs, computer labs, music room, primary and secondary libraries and Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Food Technology and Primary classrooms.

Today, St Catherine’s Catholic College offers a unique educational experience for students from Kindergarten to Year 12, allowing students to complete both primary and secondary education at the one campus.