St Patrick's College was an independent Catholic school in Melbourne, Victoria from 1854 until 1968. It was the second independent school and the first Catholic secondary school in Victoria founded with a government grant of £2,500.Michael Head and Gerard Healy, More than a School: A history of St Patrick's College East Melbourne, 1854-1968. Richmond, Vic, Jesuit Publications, 1999, p.8 In 1865, following financial difficulties, it was transferred to the care of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).Michael Head and Gerard Healy, More than a School: A history of St Patrick's College East Melbourne, 1854-1968. Richmond, Vic, Jesuit Publications, 1999, p.27 The school became immediately important to the intellectual and spiritual life of the Catholic community of Victoria and remained so for its existence. The College was a member of the Associated Catholic Colleges from 1928–1948.
The school was shut down at the end of 1968 in order to provide space for a new Catholic diocesan chancery.Michael Head and Gerard Healy, More than a School: A history of St Patrick's College East Melbourne, 1854-1968. Richmond, Vic, Jesuit Publications, 1999, pp.143-154 After significant public opposition the buildings were demolished in 1970. Over 5000 students attended the school between its foundation and closure.'Alphabetical List of Students', Michael Head and Gerard Healy, More than a School: A history of St Patrick's College East Melbourne, 1854-1968. Richmond, Vic, Jesuit Publications, 1999, pp.219-262 The St Patrick's Old Collegians' Association continues to exist.St Patrick's College SJ 1854-1968, https://sites.google.com/view/stpatsoca Retrieved 18 June 2022
Notable alumni Keith Brennan (1915–1985) – diplomat Vincent Buckley (1925–1988) – poet, essayist Frank Costigan (1931–2009) – lawyer Michael Costigan (1931– ) – writer and public servant Henry Doyle (1859–1929) – politician John Nash (1857–1925) – politician Jack O'Hagan (1898–1987) – singer-songwriter and radio personality Richard Michael "Dick" Pirrie (1920–1944) – VFL Footballer, Naval Officer, died in the D-Day Landings of 6 June 1944 Joseph Santamaria – judge of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Victoria Thomas Fidelis Hawkins, (1940–1946) – Commonwealth Bank of Australia James and John Toohey - Founders of Toohey's Brewery. and NSW politicians
Rectors Rev. Thomas Cahill SJ (1874–1878) Rev. William Lockington SJ (1916–1923)
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