Principal's Welcome

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I warmly welcome you to St Mary's College, Ipswich.

Steeped in the Mercy tradition, we are proud of our 161 year history, educating the minds and hearts of young Ipswich women. We empower our students to be strong, inquisitive and compassionate, preparing each young woman to embrace her future – just as Catherine McAuley envisioned all those years ago.

Guided by our values of courage, compassion, integrity, hospitality, respect and wisdom, we foster a strong sense of community, social justice, and connectedness. Each student is known by name, by her peers and teachers, building a sense of belonging.

The professional and dedicated staff at St Mary's deliver a rigorous and academically challenging curriculum. This is complemented by authentic outreach programs and diverse sporting and cultural co-curricular offerings, providing opportunities for students to shine beyond the classroom. Our curriculum is both broad and deep allowing for extension and consolidation to meet each young woman's individual needs. St Mary's has a culture of high expectations and we will support your daughter to achieve her personal best.

Blending a mix of heritage listed buildings and modern additions, our campus overlooks the Bremer River at Woodend in Ipswich. Student's learning is enhanced with state-of-the-art learning spaces and technologies including an i-Centre, sports hall, theatrette, commercial grade kitchens and dedicated visual art, drama, music and dance studios.

Mercy Education is holistic in nature. Working in partnership with parents, each young woman is challenged and encouraged to be the best that she can be. At a personal, intellectual, physical and ethical level, she is positioned to be a graduate who is confident, reflective and passionate. 

In the spirit of hospitality that is the foundation of the Mercy tradition, I invite you to join with me and our student leaders and me for a personal tour so that you can experience this dynamic community for yourself!

Paula Goodwin
Principal​