Steeped in tradition but far from traditional, St Mary’s College nurtures women of the future

St Mary's is responsive and agile in a modern world where women are empowered to be leaders, innovators, disruptors, carers, thinkers, creators, and challengers. We understand the challenges and opportunities girls and women face and build a community around them that empowers them to achieve.

St Mary’s College – Celebrating 155 years of educating young women

In 1869, seven young Irish Dominican sisters answered the call to establish a secondary school for girls on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in Adelaide, South Australia. Bearing the gifts of knowledge and kindness, these young women drew on their emotional resolve to push their limits and imagine the impossible. 

They founded St Mary’s College – South Australia’s first school for girls on this foundation of resilience and determination. 

The sisters demonstrated independence, bravery, and grit, underpinned by care, compassion and connection. These women took risks, challenged the norm, and embraced leadership, not despite but because of their values of community and justice. 

A century and a half later, St Mary’s still educates girls and young women in the image of these remarkable figureheads. 

Many pathways to success

St Mary’s College recognises and celebrates the unique qualities and ambitions of every girl and young woman in our care, from Reception to Year 12. 

Students are inspired to pursue the learning pathways that will facilitate their academic goals and to embrace the personal, educational, and spiritual supports that will enable their success. 

Our comprehensive curriculum promotes achievement across various disciplines, including STEM, the Arts, Language and Sport, with specialist teachers catering to each student’s diverse needs and aspirations. 

 The synergy of wellbeing and learning 

At St Mary’s, we create a learning environment where students’ wellbeing fuels academic achievement. Our approach provides security and support, which builds confidence and empowers girls and young women to succeed. 

Our ‘WRAP’ program focuses on Wellbeing, Relationships, Agency, and Personal Responsibility. The program promotes resilience, accountability, and pride by teaching skills of personal and social capability, safety, empathy and building respectful relationships. 

Commitment to empowering young women

Opportunity and self-belief are at the core of our values and practices. We are committed to: 

  • Understanding Girls’ Developmental Needs: Tailored educational experiences catering to the unique development stages. 
  • Defying Gender Stereotypes: Encouraging students to pursue their interests and passions without societal constraints. 
  • Fostering Leadership: Building voice and agency, challenging silence and injustice, and modelling robust and inclusive leadership. 
  • Promoting Arts and STEM Engagement: Nurturing involvement in creative and scientific endeavours to prepare students for diverse futures. 
  • Encouraging Physical Activity: Strong cultures of participation in sports and physical activities. 

 

Discover a St Mary’s education

St Mary’s College is finalising enrolments for Reception and Year 7 for 2025, encouraging families to secure a place for 2026 and beyond. Join a college tour or register for a Come and Try Day. Empower your daughter with an education that sees all she can be. 


Find out more:

stmarys.sa.edu.au 

 

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

You may also like

A group of young performers energetically showcasing their talents on stage in front of an audience.

Strengthening community connections

At the School of the Nativity, the strength of our community lies in crafting learning opportunities throughout the year that truly connect our families. From playgroup to whole-school celebrations that honour shared experience, it’s about dedicating time to think outside the box and find what brings people together.

Read More
A little girl in a blue rain suit joyfully jumps in a puddle, splashing water around her.

How outdoor experiences fuel child development

There’s a kind of learning that can’t be replicated inside four walls. You see it when a child pauses to pocket a rock, float leaves in a puddle, or follow the path of a butterfly. These moments aren’t diversions from learning. They’re learning at its most authentic. For children in their foundational years—from infancy to primary—outdoor learning and play isn’t just valuable; it’s essential.

Read More