History and Tradition

In 1808 Bishop Daniel Delaney established in Ireland the Congregation of the Brothers of St Patrick, and thereby sought to have the youth of his native land instructed in the principles and lifestyle of the Gospels.

The evangelical spirit was brought to Australia in 1883, when the first Patrician Brothers arrived to open a series of schools in various parts of New South Wales.

In 1890, the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Moran announced that the Patrician Brothers would open a Boarding College at Ryde. In the following year the first classes of the newly founded Holy Cross College commenced in St Charles’ Villa, on the southern side of Victoria Road.

Six years later (1896), the College began the move to its present site. The great sandstone edifice which occupies the central position of today's College gradually rose on the heights above the Parramatta River. For many years it continued to dominate the landscape of what was then a predominantly rural area.

More than one hundred years of experience since has enabled the development of an outstanding tradition at Holy Cross. This tradition is evidenced in academic excellence, in results in sport, music, public speaking and other extra-curricular activities. The school is also fortunate to have excellent grounds and facilities which have been continually developed over the years.

Patrician Brothers Website