Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer is proud to celebrate 90 years of faith, learning, and leadership in the Sutherland Shire.
To mark this significant milestone, the College will host a special 90th Anniversary Morning Tea on Saturday 8 March, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Alumni, staff, and the broader community are invited to join in celebrating the College’s rich history.
The event will feature student-led tours showcasing the school’s evolution and its ongoing commitment to excellence in education.
Founded in 1935 by the Sisters of Mercy, the College has grown from humble beginnings in a small cottage in Cronulla, to a thriving educational community committed to empowering young women.
The College’s history stretches all the way back to 1924, when the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta established a convent on Coast Avenue, Cronulla, to support Sisters teaching in local primary schools.
In 1935, they expanded their mission by acquiring a cottage next door at No. 6 Coast Avenue to accommodate junior boarders and local primary students.
This marked the foundation of Our Lady of Mercy College. However, with the onset of World War II, the boarding section was closed and the school transitioned to a secondary day school.’
In 1960, with growing student numbers and the need for expanded facilities, the College relocated to its current site on Burraneer Bay, where it continues to flourish.
In 2015, the school was officially renamed Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer, reflecting its commitment to honouring its rich history, Catholic faith, and traditions, while embracing the future.
For nearly a century, the College has remained dedicated to its Mercy values of Excellence, Hospitality, Justice, Stewardship, Service, Compassion, and Dignity.
Principal Christine Harding expressed pride in the College’s enduring legacy: “For 90 years, Our Lady of Mercy has fostered strong, capable women who live out our motto, ‘Encouraging Girls and Empowering Women.’ This milestone is a testament to and reflection of the dedication of our staff, students, and the entire Mercy community.”
As the College marks this significant anniversary, it continues to embrace the rich Catholic traditions of its founders while preparing the next generation of leaders for a changing world.