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  • Beyond the classroom
18 Jul 2025

​Holy Cross School, Wooloowin students celebrate their school's rich history and bright future, donning hard hats as they stand proudly in front of where the building upgrades will take place. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Holy Cross School, Wooloowin (2025).

A rare milestone is coming to life in Wooloowin as Holy Cross School—Brisbane North’s oldest Catholic Prep to Year 6 school—celebrates its 135th anniversary (Saturday, 26 July).  

The community event will honour generations of families who have walked through the school gates since 1890 while also unveiling exciting plans for a future defined by growth, innovation, and faith-filled learning.  

You’re invited to explore the rich history  

Holy Cross School is inviting past, present, and future families to celebrate on Saturday, 26 July, from 1 to 5 pm. 

Guests can explore the school’s history, enjoy live entertainment and family activities, and take a guided tour with Principal Simon Mahaffy of one of Brisbane’s most enduring educational communities.  

Holy Cross School Principal Simon Mahaffy said, “The community event is a celebration of everything Holy Cross School has stood for since 1890—faith, learning, and connection”.  

“We invite our past students and families to come along to celebrate their part in our 135-year story, as well as invite our current and future families as they continue to pave the way forward for our school's exciting future.”  

Holy Cross School parent Maree Carroll said, “Her grandfather attended the school over 90 years ago”.  

“We’ve had many special memories at Holy Cross, including three of our four children commencing at the school, with one more due to start Prep in 2027.

“Holy Cross is a caring, respectful, and encouraging environment.  

“The school’s community spirit cannot be underestimated.”  

Time for change  

Simon said Holy Cross School has served generations of Brisbane families for more than a century, and 2025 will mark not only a time to celebrate but to transform.  

“In 2025, not only are we celebrating our 135th year, but later this year we will also be unveiling a new school façade, a refurbished Prep Precinct, and a range of upgrades designed to modernise our existing facilities—supporting the next generation of learners,” he said.  

“These works are a vital investment in our students and our school’s future.  

“They reflect our commitment to providing inspiring spaces for learning while staying grounded in the values that have guided us for 135 years.” 

  

Looking ahead  

Holy Cross is preparing for a rise in enrolments in 2026 as more families are drawn to the school’s rich heritage, central location, and a strong reputation for educational excellence grounded in Catholic values.   

“Holy Cross is growing—and we’re ready,” Simon said.  

“As more families join us, we are creating a future that honours our past while setting our students up to thrive in our rapidly changing world.”  

For more information about Holy Cross School, Wooloowin or to enrol click here. 

  

About Holy Cross School:   
 
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School was established in 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy.  
  
Holy Cross School is a co-educational Catholic primary school Prep to Year 6.   
 
Located in the inner-city suburb of Wooloowin, Holy Cross is a Catholic learning community educating and transforming lives through the message of the Cross for the life of the world.    
 
As the oldest Catholic Prep to Year 6 school on Brisbane’s North side, Holy Cross School has been providing high quality learning and teaching for 135 years.