The Good Samaritan Sisters' Story

The Good Samaritan Order was founded in Sydney in 1857 by Archbishop John Bede Polding, in response to a particular social need – the care of destitute women. A refuge had been set up in 1848 in part of the Old Debtor’s Prison and Police barracks in Pitt Street Syndey, where Central Railway Station now stands. This refuge was under the direction of three Sisters of Charity, but in 1853 two of the sisters died, leaving Sister Scholastica Gibbons to run the refuge alone. In due time, Archbishop Polding decided to establish a new Institute based on the rule of Saint Benedict, to carry on the work of the Refuge.

In 1854, Archbishop Polding set out for Rome with the outline of a foundation of a new religious order. He obtained permission from Pope Pius IX to begin his work. On February 2, 1957, five young women were admitted to the new institute and so began the history of the first Australian religious order. The natural growth from the work of the Good Samaritan Sisters with women was to provide educational services for young women and a network of Colleges was established in Australia, with seven in New South Wales, two in Victoria and one in Queensland.

Santa Maria College Story

Santa Maria College was established in 1904 when the Good Samaritan Sisters were invited to Melbourne by Archbishop Carr. The school was first known as Good Samaritan High School, Northcote. In September 1904, the secondary school began in the servant’s quarters of "Maesbury," a spacious property owned by the Episcopalian Church. This building is still in use today as the ceramics room of the College.

In 1905 the sisters moved to South Yarra, purchasing a property in Caroline Street and giving it the name Santa Maria. The school was noted for its academic success and its tone of refinement and happiness. There was a great love for learning nurtures, especially for the arts and music.

The little school, which embraced all grades, began to thrive. However, it soon became clear that most students were travelling from the northern suburbs of Melbourne where the Good Samaritan Sisters were in charge of primary schools. It was decided to close South Yarra and to build a new college at Northcote. On October 29, 1933 the new school was officially opened and staff and pupils moved back across the river. In 1934, the school began with an enrolment of 84 students. The kindergarten and primary sections continued until 1946 when they were closed. By 1948 the enrolment at the College had grown to 200.

Since then the School has grown to 900 students and has seen a wave of refurbishments. It now boasts first class facilities, such as a full size sporting oval, modern and fully equipped multi-purpose gym and hall, new science laboratories, food technology kitchen, music and drama facilities. The  face of Santa will continue to change, with more refurbishments due as part of the Strategic Plan. However, the Good Samaritan spirit and the commitment to excellence in education will always remain.