College Leadership Team
Mr Hugh O’Brien, Founding Father of St Mary’s Catholic College
The giant on whose shoulders our school stands.
Dear Parents, Students and Community Members,
It is with great sadness that I write in today’s Bulletin about the passing of our founding father, Mr Hugh O’Brien. I would like to pay tribute to Hugh, who served as Principal for 18 years and remained a devoted Friend of the College for a further 23 years.
Hugh was appointed Principal in 1985 in preparation for the College's opening in 1986, and he continued to be deeply supportive of the College after his role as Principal concluded. Following his retirement, he continued sharing his experience and wisdom with all subsequent Principals. I found him to be a deeply religious man whose care for others was evident in all he did and said. Hugh embodied our College virtues : faith, hope and love; taken from 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”- as well as our Mission Statement: Through faith, hope and love, we make a difference in the world.
We certainly stand on the shoulders of a giant in following Hugh. He led the structural expansion of the College and, through the planting of over 135 trees, transformed the landscape from a barren red-dirt block into the beautifully manicured green vista we enjoy today.
Under Hugh’s leadership, the College developed a strong College identity rooted in faith, values, family community and academic aspiration for each child to reach their full potential. The motto, “Educare et Sanctificare”, to educate and sanctify, was chosen to express a commitment to holistic development, a commitment that continues to flourish with each passing year.
In reflecting on what has changed and what has remained over the past 40 years, I revisited the Mass booklet and Parent Handbook from 1986. I can clearly see Hugh’s continuing legacy. It said “Christian spirit and values will permeate all areas of our College, and each student will be able to develop into a self-disciplined, co-operative achiever. Let’s develop a school where each of us will appreciate, contribute to and be proud of the essence of our school motto, “educare et sanctificare”. May the students, parents and teachers of this College enjoy the experience of living Christian life in a school and by our actions and relationships with one another may we all bear witness and have love for one another.”
Hugh established the concept of the St Mary’s Family, grounded in our St Mary’s Way that has continued through iterations of each Principal, Leadership Team, Staff Member, Parent and, most importantly, each student. For all the world to see, the St Mary’s Community is certainly one of welcome and friendship thanks to Hugh’s foundation. Every person who has known Hugh and experienced his warmth, would articulate the kind of man he was; a friend, guide and mentor to all. I feel that Hugh believed this was the essential part of the outpouring of God’s love.
Hugh led the establishment of our College community built on three things:
Faith: connection to our God in all things,
Hope: optimism in success for each individual student,
and
the greatest of these is Love: the care, respect and empathy for all.
Whilst Hugh will be sorely missed by us all, we know his legacy will live long into the future.
Rest in peace, Hugh.
Kerry Manders
RESCHEDULING OF PARENT-STUDENT TEACHER CONVERSATIONS
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to advise of a change to the scheduled date for parent–student–teacher conversations.
Due to the funeral of Hugh O’Brien, our founding principal, and the following wake being held at the College on Thursday 23 April, parent–student–teacher conversations will now take place on Thursday 30 April 2026.
This decision has been made with due care and respect. Hugh O’Brien played a pivotal role in shaping the spirit and values of our College, and his passing represents a significant moment for our community. Moving the parent–student–teacher conversations allows staff, students and families the space to honour his legacy, while ensuring that learning conversations occur with the focus and attention they deserve.
We recognise that changes to dates may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding at this difficult time for our community.
All existing bookings have been transferred to 30 April. If these are now unsuitable, parents are able to log into the system to make changes. If there are any concerns, please contact the College.
Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding.
God Bless,
Kerry Manders
Principal
