Our History

Mary MacKillop Primary School opened in 1995, the same year as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was beatified.  We are one of three schools in the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren.   Our House Teams, Colours and Buildings are named in memory of people who have significantly contributed to the life and history of our school.

O’Bryan Administration Office

Fr. Denis O’Bryan was the Parish Priest of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish from December 1991 – July 1995.  In 1993, Fr. Denis received approval from Bishop Coffey for the naming of the second school in the Parish – Mary MacKillop Primary School.

Allen Hall

Named in memory of Fr. John Allen the Parish Priest of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, when Mary MacKillop first opened in 1995.  Fr. John Allen was officially welcomed into the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians on Sunday 27 August, 1995.  He had arrived early in July, a week after Mary MacKillop Primary School had moved into its new school buildings.  Fr. John remained Parish Priest until 2011. 

Lomas Gymnasium

Paul Lomas was appointed Principal of Mary MacKillop Primary School in May 1994.  Over the next nine years, with the school’s rapid growth, Paul Lomas oversaw many new building projects, including the gymnasium built in 2003.

School House Teams

FITZROY - RED HOUSE

In 1842, on January 15, Mary MacKillop was born in a small 

house in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

PENOLA - GREEN HOUSE

In 1866, Mary MacKillop together with Fr. Tenison Woods 

set up her first school in a small stable in Penola, South Australia.

PORTLAND - BLUE HOUSE

In 1864, Portland Victoria, Mary MacKillop established Bay 

View House, a place of support and education for young ladies.

EDEN - YELLOW HOUSE

In 1891, the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in Eden, New South 

Wales and founded the St. Joseph’s Primary School.