History
History of St Mary's School
St Mary’s-Founded on the Josephite Tradition
St Mary’s school began in the room behind Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Yoogali, in January 1949. St Mary’s was founded by the religious order, the Sisters of St Joseph. There were around 50 students in the first year. In the early years, St Mary’s students were educated solely by the Sisters of St Joseph.
Until 1993 the sisters of St Joseph continued to be part of St Mary’s staff, with Sister Rosalie Gannon RSJ, being the final religious principal of St Mary’s. Mrs Helen Mulholland was appointed as the first lay (non-religious) principal of St Mary’s. Helen commenced in this position in 1994. Mrs Mulholland carried out the role of principal until 2002 when the current principal Mrs MaryJane Simms was appointed.
Building St Mary’s School
Under the guidance of the Capuchin priest Nicholas Simonazzi, OFM CAP, and with significant support from the families of our parish, St Mary's Primary and Secondary School was built in 1964. The Secondary School operated for only two years. Major extensions and renovations took place in 2007 and 2009 to create the contemporary learning environment that we enjoy today.
Our Priests
In February 1987, the Capuchin priests left the parish. Father Warren Mossfield was then appointed as parish priest, followed by Father Jim McGee in 1993. Upon Father McGee’s retirement in 2008, the faith community welcomed Father Neru Leuea to the parish as spiritual leader. In 2014 Father Neru took up the position of Parish Priest in Narrandera. Father Peter Stojanovic is currently the Administrator of the Parish of Yenda, Yoogali and Hanwood.
St Mary’s-Founded on the Josephite Tradition
St Mary’s school began in the room behind Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Yoogali, in January 1949. St Mary’s was founded by the religious order, the Sisters of St Joseph. There were around 50 students in the first year. In the early years, St Mary’s students were educated solely by the Sisters of St Joseph.
Until 1993 the sisters of St Joseph continued to be part of St Mary’s staff, with Sister Rosalie Gannon RSJ, being the final religious principal of St Mary’s. Mrs Helen Mulholland was appointed as the first lay (non-religious) principal of St Mary’s. Helen commenced in this position in 1994. Mrs Mulholland carried out the role of principal until 2002 when the current principal Mrs MaryJane Simms was appointed.
Building St Mary’s School
Under the guidance of the Capuchin priest Nicholas Simonazzi, OFM CAP, and with significant support from the families of our parish, St Mary's Primary and Secondary School was built in 1964. The Secondary School operated for only two years. Major extensions and renovations took place in 2007 and 2009 to create the contemporary learning environment that we enjoy today.
Our Priests
In February 1987, the Capuchin priests left the parish. Father Warren Mossfield was then appointed as parish priest, followed by Father Jim McGee in 1993. Upon Father McGee’s retirement in 2008, the faith community welcomed Father Neru Leuea to the parish as spiritual leader. In 2014 Father Neru took up the position of Parish Priest in Narrandera. Father Peter Stojanovic is currently the Administrator of the Parish of Yenda, Yoogali and Hanwood.