The Mother Benedict Block (MB) refurbishment is now complete. It is great to see all the spaces (including the deck) being used in new and interesting ways by students and staff a like. The spaces complement the delivery of the Curriculum. Below you can see some of the photos taken during the refurbishment process. 

MB wrapped before the prefabs were moved off site 

The interior is gutted 

The roof is replaced 

The wrapping is removed 

The interior takes shape 

The view is revealed 

Furniture starts to arrive 

Father Chris blesses the before before we move into the ground floor 

 Students working on the deck during a Social Studies lesson 

 MB lit up on Subject Information Evening 

The St Mary’s College Proprietors Board has been preparing for the refurbishment of the Mother Benedict block in 2021. We are pleased to inform you that this project has commenced, and the MB block and surrounding site was prepared over the April holidays.

This centrally located block dates from the 1970’s and will be modernised to bring it to current building code, attain a higher seismic rating and deliver a completely new interior that facilitates current education practices, provide flexible learning spaces and adds multipurpose outside teaching opportunities.

The refurbishment project will achieve multi-level connection between this block, the Sr Marcienne Kirk Centre, and the Library. Better people-flow and accessibility for all will be achieved via a new lift structure, spacious lobbies and covered walkways interconnecting these buildings. Exterior work will see the addition of spacious decks and the improvement of shared spaces around the MB block. Due to the central position on our site, the upgrade to the MB block needs to be completed to enable the eventual development of the “Heart of the School” - the plaza between the MB block, PK Gym and tennis courts. Currently, this area accommodates two prefab buildings which will be removed at the end of the refurbishment. Concept plans are in the early stages of preparation for this important part of the school.

You will notice the entire building will be “shrink wrapped” to provide both a visual barrier and an all-weather building site. The decision to incur this significant cost is also to control the site as the asbestos containing sun shades will need to be unbolted from the exterior of the building and disposed of. The project duration is 150 working days and expected to be complete in mid-November. In practical terms, the Social Sciences, Technology, Learning Centre and English Faculties will enjoy this block for the first time from Term 1, 2022.

The Proprietors Board recognises that due to the number of teaching spaces becoming temporarily unavailable, there will be operational disruptions in 2021. Our Principal, Ms Sarah Dwan, and the Senior Leadership Team have achieved a timetable that allows all subjects and classes to operate within alternative, existing spaces onsite. Sometimes these spaces may be smaller than what staff and students are used to, but this inconvenience is required to achieve the end goal. I thank everybody for their co-operation and patience while this takes place.

This project is a significant financial investment in the ongoing development of the school. To continue delivering high quality builds for our staff and 1,000+ young Mercy women we rely on the contributions to the Proprietors and Building Fund. Property maintenance funding received from the Ministry of Education covers only a small part of such a project. We ask all our families to contribute to these. I thank all those who contribute (over 90% of our families) and to those who have already paid this year’s contributions.  

On behalf of the Board of Proprietors, we wish you all the best for the year ahead. 

Ngā mihi maioha

From Arjen Van Helsdingen, Chairperson Board of Directors

2025 is the 175^th year of St. Mary’s College.

As one of the oldest girls school in New Zealand, the College was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1850.

As Sr Marcienne Kirk (previous Principal and author of 'Legacy: The Story of St. Mary's College Auckland') notes “the life of the College was intricately bound up with developments in society, the Catholic Church, education in all its aspects and the place of women in New Zealand. Catherine McAuley’s vision was for the empowerment of women through education, health care and spiritual growth”.

This vision has continued through until the present day, where we strive to develop “21^st Century Women of Mercy”.

The 175 logo has been designed to represent the history and tradition of the College.

There will be events to celebrate throughout the year, but they key community event will be Friday 24 – Sunday 26 October 2025 (Labour Weekend).

Events over the weekend will include an official welcome, school tours, high tea, exhibition sports games, gatherings of various groups and displays from the archives. Saturday 25 October is the Jubilee Dinner to be hosted by the Past Pupils Association at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Sunday will see Mass at the Cathedral followed by a relaxed afternoon at the College including cultural group and music performances.

Further information will be posted on the College website, with bookings opening in April.

We look forward to seeing as many people as possible joining us to celebrate this significant achievement for the College.

We invite you to join us for our annual  OPEN DAY on Thursday 6 March 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our college, meet our staff and experience our learning envirornment first-hand.