History-Marian College

Marian College on the property of 126 North Parade opened in February 1982 after a long and eventful history.

In 2005 the new classroom blocks at Marian College were opened and dedicated to Colette Forde RSJ and Catherine McAuley-Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

Patricia Gillard attended the opening and writes:

The Naming of the Forde Block
“Sister Colette Forde is our important taonga having given 28 years of her life and total service to the education of the girls at Marian College.”
Thus the principal, Bernadette Devonport, explained why the school had chosen to name one of their new teaching blocks Forde. It is the College’s way of thanking Colette for all she has done for the school as well as providing a permanent reminder of her service and commitment.
The occasion was the formal opening and blessing of two new blocks comprising a combination of classrooms and rooms for food technology, clothing, wood and metalwork (yes! in an all girls’ school) and a library. Festooned with red and blue balloons and ribbons the two-storeyed buildings formed an attractive boundary at the eastern end of the College. They replace classrooms built in the seventies and are a significant addition to the school.
The other block is named after the Venerable Catherine McAuley. Thus the names provide direct links to St Mary’s and MacKillop Colleges – the schools that combined 23 years ago to become Marian College. In honouring the two women, Bernadette Devonport pointed out that the school is also emphasising the importance it places on its association with the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St Joseph, the Orders that established the two schools.
In her address, the Governor-General, Dame Sylvia Cartwright, commended the College for its commitment to providing young women with a sound education. Speaking directly to Colette, she remarked on how, having gone to an all girls’ school herself, she knew the importance of having a role model, passionate about education, who worked so hard for the students and gave so much of her life to them. On behalf of the girls, she thanked Colette for the legacy she is leaving Marian College.
Together, Colette and the Governor-General unveiled the plaque commemorating the opening of the two blocks and then cut a memorial cake.
Colette and Mary Hanrahan (Congregational Leader of the Christchurch Sisters of Mercy) unveiled the plaques naming the two buildings. These were then blessed by Bishop Cunneen.

It was a very happy occasion and I could not help but think back to a day in early February 1950 when Sisters Vincent Ferrer, Raymond, Dolorosa and Gertrude welcomed the first intake of pupils to St Joseph’s Juniorate. Little did I know that 55 years later I would be back there again to see the last Josephite on the teaching staff receiving such warm acclamation. May the building labelled Colette Forde RSJ continue to be a reminder of our Josephite dedication to education.
Colette is being officially farewelled at the College on Saturday 26 November.
Patricia Gillard rsj