Perth's prestigious Mercedes College is set to honour a monumental chapter in Western Australia's educational history next month, commemorating the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the nuns who founded the school.
A Historic Journey from Dublin to Perth
A special mass will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, January 8, 2026, starting at 10am. This service will mark the 1846 arrival in Perth of a pioneering group of Sisters of Mercy, led by the determined Mother Ursula Frayne. The group made the long voyage from Dublin to the Swan River Colony, where they would soon make history.
Upon arrival, the Sisters moved into a modest cottage near Victoria Avenue, a building that still stands today near the college gates. With remarkable speed and dedication, they opened their school on February 2, 1846. Their first day began with a single student, but by day's end, their enrolment had grown to six. The community's response was overwhelming; by the close of that first year, 100 students were attending. Today, Mercedes College educates approximately 900 students from Years 7 to 12.
From Humble Beginnings to a Lasting Legacy
The Sisters' work established them as the first women’s religious order to found a school in Australia. The institution they created evolved into the renowned Mercedes College we know today. The name 'Mercedes' is the Spanish word for 'mercy', honouring their order's mission.
By 1849, just three years after opening, the Sisters had begun work on a purpose-built secondary school facility. This commitment to dedicated infrastructure laid the physical foundation for the college's future growth and excellence.
Modern Celebrations for a Historic Milestone
The upcoming 180th-anniversary events follow previous celebrations, including the college's 175th anniversary in 2021. For that occasion, students participated in a historical re-enactment of the Sisters' arrival and the school's early days, complete with anniversary badges.
The college has planned two key events for the 180th milestone:
- Anniversary Mass: January 8, 2026, at 10am in St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square. The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
- Anniversary High Tea: Scheduled for Sunday, February 22, at The Westin Hotel. The event will feature sweet and savoury treats, a performance by the Mercedes College Alumni Choir, and addresses from guest speakers.
These celebrations honour a legacy that began in a small cottage and flourished into a leading educational institution. Mercedes College now boasts modern facilities that reflect its progressive vision, including:
- An eight-lane indoor heated pool.
- A media department with its own radio station.
- A performing arts centre.
- A dedicated wellness centre.
The 180th anniversary is not just a look back at history, but a celebration of an enduring mission of education and mercy that continues to shape young lives in Perth.
