Community & Business
31 July, 2026
Milestone for St. Stephen’s School
This Sunday, St. Stephen’s School (formerly St. Joseph’s Convent School) will celebrate a remarkable milestone: 110 years of Catholic education in Pittsworth.
School Principal, Janine Butlin, said history is an integral part of looking ahead to a bright future.
“As we celebrate 110 years of Catholic education, it is important that we pause to honour our rich history, acknowledge those who have come before us, and give thanks for the strong community we enjoy today,” Mrs Butlin said.
“Together, we look forward with hope and confidence as we continue to build on the legacy entrusted to us.
“Over the decades, St. Stephen’s has remained steadfast in keeping alive the spirit and values of Mary MacKillop.
“Today, our school proudly educates 181 students, and St. Mary’s wisdom continues to guide our community through her inspiring messages: ‘Do your bit’, ‘Attitude of Gratitude’, ‘Make room in your heart for all’ and ‘Listen to God’s call’,” Mrs Butlin said.
“St. Stephen’s has given me many cherished memories, first as a student and now as Principal.
“I feel truly blessed to belong to such a wonderful community where, each day, I witness our students striving for success, showing kindness to others and growing in faith.”
In 1916, Rev. Father John Ryan, became instrumental in establishing the Convent School, under the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
The official opening ceremony was held on 6th August, and special trains were chartered from Toowoomba and Warwick for the event.
One hundred and one students were enrolled that year.
The founding teachers were Sisters Berchman, Anastasia, Ignatius and Philomena.
The Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully served the community for the next 65 years, nurturing generations of students and instilling the values of faith, service and compassion.
As the school community continued to grow, the foundation stone for St. Stephen’s School was laid in 1957 on its present site in Weale Street.
The following year, on May 25, the new St. Stephen’s School was blessed and opened by Vicar General of the Diocese, Monsignor McKenna.
One hundred and ten years is an impressive achievement for St. Stephen’s School, when you consider that Pittsworth is set to celebrate it’s 150th anniversary on September 12.
Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba will preside over the 9am Mass this Sunday at St. Stephen’s Church on the corner of Hume and Murray Streets.
Following Mass, all current and former students, families and parishioners are welcome to reconnect and share memories over morning tea.
Here are some stories from past students of St. Stephen’s School that were published in the centenary book in 2016:
Errol Smith started at St. Joseph’s School in 1952, and recalled he was always late to class.
“My sister Val and I had to take the house cow with us, and put her in the paddock where St. Stephen’s School is today, and take her home after school,” Mr Smith said.
Four generations of Smiths have been schooled at St. Stephens, the latest being Errol’s grandson Tyson Moore.
Margaret Cooper (nee Phillips) can remember the subject of typing in the 1960s.
“There were not enough typewriters for everybody in the class, so every few lessons we had use of a few typewriters and, on other days, we had a piece of cardboard with the keyboard on it to practice with,” Mrs Cooper said.
Claire Cronin (nee White) commenced school in 1949 and fondly remembered her teachers.
“Two of my favourite nuns were Sister Joan and Sister Bonaventure,” she said.
“Sister Joan, besides being a good teacher, would play basketball and other sports with us, and in our lunch break, we would clear the classroom, then she would teach us dancing.”
Mary Sullivan (nee Hintz) recalled going down the street during lunch time in the 1960s.
“We went to the co-op store for boiled lollies and the local cafe for hot chips.
“I remember taking eggs to the Sisters every Friday in a billy can,” she said.
