Australia’s first Catholic school opened in Parramatta, in Sydney’s west, in October 1820. Founded by Irish priest, Fr John Therry, the school taught 31 students in its first year.

From those humble beginnings, Catholic schools in Australia now teach more than 750,000 students with over 80,000 teachers and support staff.

In 2021 we celebrate the bicentenary of Catholic education as communities around the country celebrate 200 years since the opening of Australia’s first Catholic school.
 

A message from the Executive Director Twenty years ago, St John Paul the Great called on the faithful of the Church to ‘remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look forward to the future with confidence’. With that same gratitude, enthusiasm and confidence, we come together to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia.		200 Years Young The Catholic Bishops have written a pastoral letter to school leaders, staff, students and families to mark the 200th anniversary of Catholic education in Australia.
Events Catholic school communities are invited to mark this special bicentennial year at MACS’ events as well as local celebrations.		Resources The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has prepared resources to support school communities celebrating the bicentennial.