HISTORY

Sisters of Mercy -  The Complete History
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​St Francis Xavier School, which was established in 1935 and operated by the Sisters of Mercy, has undergone many changes throughout its history.
Significant Events in the Life of the School
  • 1935 - St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School was built.  23 children enrolled on first day. 
  • 1936 - School/Church officially opened and blessed by Bishop of Rockhampton - Most Rev. Romuald Hayes D.D.
              Additional wooden building erected - present building facing Bridge Road
  • 1949 - Sisters of Mercy Convent opened and blessed by Bishop of Rockhampton - Most Rev. Andrew Tynan D.D. - dedicated to Our Lady of                       Fatima
  • 1951 - Presbytery in Holland Street built 
  • 1958 - Church of England building and grounds opposite church purchased.  Little Flower Infants School was founded on this site 
  • 1962 - St Francis Xavier Church erected and blessed 
  • 1968 - Parents and Friends Association formed.  Foundation President - Mr Brian Power 
  • 1980 - St Francis Xavier School Board formed.  Inaugural Board Chairman - Mr Brian Power 
  • 1982 - Modern Infants' School in main school grounds constructed.
  • 1985 - Further school buildings including library and staff facilities built.  Opened and blessed by Bishop of Rockhampton Most Rev. B J Wallace                  DD. New St Francis Xavier Parish Hall constructed.
  • ​1988 - St Francis Xavier Parish Hall extension constructed. 
  • 1992 - Preschool officially opened by Senator, The Hon. Margaret Reynolds, Minister for Employment, Education and Training.  Preschool blessed              by Bishop of Rockhampton Bishop Brian Heenan D.D. 
  • 1997 - St Francis Xavier Long Day Care Centre officially opened.  New Administration building constructed.
  • 2002 - Staffrooom, Year 1 Classrooms and Computer Laboratory constructed.
  • 2006 - Additional Prep Classroom constructed and original preschool renovated.  Block A Ground floor classrooms renovated.
  • 2007 - Block A Upper floor classrooms renovated.
  • 2011 - School Hall renovated. Additional building containing 3 GLA's, Tuckshop, Library and Learning Support Room. Administration buiding and                  Staffroom renovated. Undercover Area extended. 
  • 2016 - Original wooden school building demolished with 10 new classrooms erected on the original school building site.
  • 2017 - Blessing of Mercy Place, Block B renovations, IT and Counsellor Rooms constructed.
  • 2018 - St Francis Xavier Long Day Care closed and building renovated to become St Francis Xavier Kindergarten.