An enduring legacy - the story of how Clairvaux MacKillop College came to be

This year marks a significant milestone for Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mount Gravatt who celebrates 40 years of education in 2026, alongside an even longer history of Catholic education in the region.

Clairvaux MacKillop College Principal Wayne Chapman said even though the College celebrates 40 years as a College in 2026, the College’s history spans more than a century.

“Many people don’t realise our story dates back to 1918, when the three-acre site at Holland Park, now home to St Joachim’s School, was first purchased by Archbishop Emeritus James Duhig,” he said.

“That site was originally home to a co-educational primary school and later a secondary all-girls school.

“When the Holland Park campus started to run out of space for both its primary and secondary students in 1970, it was proposed that the girls in the secondary College, known as St Joseph’s College at the time, be brought across to our current Upper Mount Gravatt site due to its expansive grounds. 

“In 1970, the girls’ College relocated to our current Upper Mount Gravatt site as MacKillop College and later joined the boys at Clairvaux College, forming what we now know as Clairvaux MacKillop College in 1986.”

Meeting the needs of a changing community

Wayne said at the time, the move to a co-educational setting created a shared learning environment for both boys and girls and was supported by expansive grounds and purpose‑built facilities that continue to evolve alongside the College community.

“Set across a well‑resourced site in Brisbane’s south, the College offers generous open spaces alongside a wide range of specialist learning environments,” he said.

“Sporting fields and courts provide room for students to be active and connected, while modern indoor facilities, including an indoor sports area and dedicated training spaces, support year‑round participation. 

“Across the campus, students learn in contemporary classrooms designed to foster collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. 

“Purpose‑built spaces such as science laboratories and technology centres allow for hands‑on, practical learning, while a state‑of‑the‑art auditorium and learning centre bring the College community together in one place.

“Creative disciplines are equally supported, with dedicated music studios, as well as dance and performance spaces, providing students with opportunities to explore the arts.”

Why do families choose Clairvaux MacKillop College 40 years on?

Wayne said parents choose the College for its facilities combined with a broad range of curriculum offerings, including vocational pathways and STEM programs. In contemporary times, parents are drawn to co-education. The College also offers an Academic Excellence extension program that stretches learners beyond the curriculum, with 120 students currently taking part.

“The College’s excellence program sees students excel in areas of science technology, humanities, and the arts,” he said.

“We have students who take part in as many as four university subjects before they have even graduated.

“Some of our more unique subject offerings currently include engineering, psychology, STEM for year 9 and 10 which leads into senior subjects and the broad spectrum of arts, humanities and science subjects.”

Wayne adds parents are also drawn to Clairvaux MacKillop College because of their distinctive co-curricular opportunities.

“Experiences such as the Battle of the ROCK Bands reflect this difference, offering students authentic, real-world opportunities to perform, create and collaborate,” he said.

“It is this balance of academic strength and rich, engaging opportunities beyond the classroom that continues to attract families, providing a well-rounded education that supports every student to thrive.”

Excellent learning and teaching

In 2026 Clairvaux MacKillop College has also emerged as a national powerhouse at the Australian Education Awards.

STEM and Academic Excellence Coordinator Dr Maynard Victor Erece has been nominated for Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non-Government). The College also secured a nomination for the Street Science Best STEM Program award.

Curriculum Leader Science, Katrina Dalglish was also nominated for Department Head of the Year, recognised for her leadership in strengthening the College’s STEM programs. 

Read more about the College’s Australian Education Award 2026 wins and cutting-edge STEM programs here.

Looking ahead

Wayne said the College will continue to meet the needs of families for years to come.

“This milestone is not just a reflection of the past, but a reaffirmation of our College’s commitment to the future, continuing to meet the evolving needs of our community, nurturing inclusive excellence, and preparing students to contribute meaningfully beyond the school gates,” he said.

Clairvaux MacKillop College also celebrated their 40 years on 19 June with their Back to Clairvaux MacKillop College evening.

A 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner will also be held on 11 September for parents, past staff, and the broader community. Past student and NRL player Luke Bateman will also be in attendance, as well as other significant alumni. To book tickets, click here.

For more information about Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mount Gravatt or to enrol click here. 

With more than 146 Catholic schools across South East Queensland, Brisbane Catholic Education offers families a wide choice of primary and secondary schools for students from Prep to Year 12. Find a school near you today! Click here.

Image caption: This year marks a significant milestone for Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mount Gravatt who celebrates 40 years of education in 2026. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mount Gravatt (2026).