On 9 February 1954 Brigidine College St Ives opened with nine pupils. Classes started with Mother Romuald Walz as Principal, ably assisted by Mother Adrian Small.
This first College building held a small Convent for the Sisters. In 1959 the Convent and the Novitiate were built and the Novices moved from Randwick to St Ives.
In 1964 the first of many buildings - a Hall and classroom - were added to accommodate increasing student and staff needs.
As pupil numbers increased in the 1980s the College has broadened the range of curriculum and co-curricular activities available to students - sometimes leading the way by providing subjects not available in other schools. The Computer and Electronics Wing, Design and Technology Area and improved music facilities were soon built to accomodate the expanded curriculum.
In 1994 the Brigidine Sisters moved out of the Convent, handing the building over to the College. The Sisters have continued their involvement in the life of the College, including their representation on the College Board, attendance at College events and support of the College’s active promotion of its Brigidine heritage.
Since 1997 many facilities at the College have been constructed, including the multifunctional Henry Lindo Courts, St Brigid’s Chapel and Religious Education Centre, Bowie Hall and the Romuald Visual Arts Centre.
In 2007 we celebrated, with the Brigidine Sisters, the Bicentenary of the foundation of the Brigidine Congregation in Tullow, Co Carlow, Ireland.
2008 marks the 150 year anniversary of Brigidine education in NSW.
