The foundations of St Patrick’s College were laid with the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Gympie in 1879, followed by the Christian Brothers in 1904. Both religious orders played a significant role in Catholic education in the region and, for many years, operated boarding facilities, with the girls’ boarding school closing in 1969 and the boys’ in 1978.
St Patrick’s College was established in January 1983 as a co-educational Catholic secondary school for students in Years 8–12, bringing together the traditions and strengths of the Christian Brothers College for Boys and the Sisters of Mercy High School for Girls. In 2015, the College expanded to include Year 7, becoming a Years 7–12 College.
Today, the College proudly honours its heritage through the celebration of Founders’ Day and the naming of its College houses, recognising the enduring contributions of the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers to Catholic education in Gympie.
In 2004, past students gathered to celebrate two significant milestones: the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy and the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Christian Brothers. The reunion committee, led by Mr Nev Bermingham, produced the publication Gympie Catholic Schools 1879–2003, documenting the rich history of Catholic education in the region.
The College also acknowledges the extensive historical research undertaken by Mrs Sharyn Portas, whose publication WW1 Soldiers of St Patrick’s Parish honours those connected to St Patrick’s Parish and the Christian Brothers School who served during the First World War.
This historic photograph features The Edmund Rice Building, which was officially opened in July 1938. The building remains an important part of the College’s heritage and stands as a lasting reminder of the contribution of the Christian Brothers to Catholic education in Gympie.