Our History

More than 170 years of educating girls

For more than 170 years, St Catherine’s has been shaping the lives of young women through an education grounded in learning, character, faith and community. St Catherine’s was founded in 1856 by Mrs Jane Barker, wife of the second Bishop of Sydney, who believed that girls deserved the same quality of education available to boys. Beginning with just three boarders, the School was named after St Catherine, the patron saint of scholars, and established with a commitment to nurturing both intellect and character.

A long story in brief

From these modest beginnings, St Catherine’s has grown into Australia’s oldest Anglican girls’ school. While much has evolved over the past 170 years, our founding belief remains unchanged: that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and flourish. Today, we continue to empower young women with the confidence, purpose and compassion to make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.

1856

St Catherine’s was founded by Mrs Jane Barker with just three students enrolled. The School was named after St Catherine, the patron saint of scholars, and established with a commitment to nurturing both intellect and character.

1859

The School moved to its present Waverley site following the completion of the Old Stone House, which today serves as the School’s administration building.

Sir William Denison advised on plans for the original building, which was purpose-built as a boarding school and expanded throughout the 19th century as enrolments grew.

1890-1900s

St Catherine’s began welcoming day students, having previously operated solely as a boarding school. By 1906, when the school celebrated it’s 50th birthday, enrolment had grown to 48 students.

1945

Following World War II, enrolments increased significantly. Under the leadership of Miss Faith Patterson AM, St Catherine’s grew from 200 students to almost 900 girls.

Today

Today, Mrs Barker’s vision lives on through a thriving K-12 community of more than 1,100 students.

A history of exceptional leadership

Across generations, St Catherine’s has been guided by Headmistresses who have shaped the culture and direction of the School while building on the legacy of those who came before them.

Our Headmistresses to date:

1858 – 1884: Miss Agnes Law
1884 – 1890: Miss Helen Phillips
1891 – 1895: Miss Rebecca Darling
1895 – 1903: Miss Charlotte Fox
1903 – 1934: Miss Ellen Lenthall
1935 – 1947: Miss Isabel James (Mrs Hall)
1948 – 1949: Miss Ella Mitchell
1950 – 1954: Miss Una Fitzhardinge
1955 – 1987: Miss Faith Patterson
1988 – 2000: Mrs Jolyn Karaolis
2001 – 2009: Mrs Lynne Stone
2010 – 2022: Dr Julie Townsend
2023 – 2024: Mrs Judith Poole
2025 – present: Ms Deb Magill

Our Archives

The St Catherine’s Archives preserve a rich collection of records, photographs, artefacts and personal stories dating back to the School’s foundation in 1856. The School appointed its first Archivist, Mrs Averil Condren, in 1988. Mrs Evangeline Galettis OAM (OG1969) has served as School Archivist since 1995. Through exhibitions, displays and educational programs, the Archives bring our history to life, helping students, families, alumni and staff connect with the people and traditions that have shaped the St Catherine’s community across generations.

From art studio to archives

Gifted by Headmistress Miss Helen Phillips to be used as an art studio, the St Catherine’s Museum building was originally attached to the main school structure before later serving as a chapel. Over the decades, it has fulfilled many roles, including a science laboratory during the 1930s, a Kindergarten and Infants classroom during the 1950s, and later as a Music and Visual Arts room. In 1992, the building was carefully relocated by crane to its current location beside the Old Stone House. It was officially reopened and dedicated on 2 March 1994 by School Chaplain Rev Kimberley Sawyer and Headmistress Mrs Jo Karaolis.

Our archival collection

Our archival collection contains an extensive range of documents, photographs, artefacts and memorabilia gathered through official school records and generous donations from members of the St Catherine’s community.

Highlights of the collection include:

Dame Joan Sutherland (OG1943) collection, including costumes, recordings, programs and photographs donated by Dame Joan Sutherland.
Oral histories collected from Old Girls and staff. Recordings and video of school assemblies and events.
Rare books including those presented at Prize Giving events and donated by Old Girls.
School Registers, School Council Minutes, Headmistress’s Annual Reports, Prize Lists, Old Girls’ Union Reports, School Publications and School Newsletters.
School photographs dating from late 1890s through to present, including photos taken by Max Dupain, Allan Hedges and Ian Lever.
“The Catherineian” – a full set of the school magazine first published in 1915.
Eirene Mort (OG1897) collection including book plates, artworks and published books donated by Eirene Mort.
Uniform items, from the first uniform worn in the 1920s to the current uniform designed by Robert Burton.
Patricia Skinner (OG1977) collection, including her novels and photographs, donated by Dr Michael Abrahams-Sprod.