When the Sisters of Mercy first came to Australia they opened up a primary school in Palmer Street that was known as St Catherine’s and Angel Guardian. Sometime along the way the Senior Primary took the name Sacred Heart and the Junior Primary retained the name of Angel Guardian.

This site was originally owned by a Greek Lady who lived in a house where the main school building is today. She owned a horse and cart delivery service.

When the Sisters of Mercy first came to Australia they opened up a primary school in Palmer Street that was known as St Catherine’s and Angel Guardian. Sometime along the way the Senior Primary took the name Sacred Heart and the Junior Primary retained the name of Angel Guardian.

In 1960 the foundation stone on the corner of King William and Napier Streets was laid by The Most Reverend A.F.Fox D.D. The building cost fifty seven thousand pounds. There was an enrolment of 185 students in June 1961.

When the Brothers’ School, St Patrick’s in Young Street was discontinued (between 1962-1969) enrolments at Sacred Heart increased and it became necessary to use other buildings such as St Joseph’s Kindergarten and St Patrick’s site in Young Street too.

The school was extended in 1972 following the demolition of some houses and the Docherty Commission allocated a one hundred thousand dollar grant for the building.

By 1973 all junior classes were moved into the one building.

Priests Involved

The Italian Order of Scalabrinian Priests were in charge of School and Parish, from 1959 until 1970, when in that September, the Parish once again came under the auspice of the Melbourne Archdiocese and Father J.G. Fitzpatrick was appointed Parish Priest.

School Principals