As early as 1941, it was recognised that the people of Ballarat needed a Catholic boys technical school. When the Bishop of Ballarat, James O'Collins, established St Paul's College in 1948, he invited the Christian Brothers to continue their work through the provision of technical education. When Brother Cooke, the first Principal, opened the doors to St. Paul's Technical College, Lydiard Street, in 1948 to 55 students the Catholic boys of Ballarat finally had a place to earn their Junior Technical Certificate prior to obtaining an apprenticeship.technical education, catholic education, ballarat

From 1949 golf became a regular part of a SHC student's week. With the junior SHC students educated at the Mount Xavier site since 1906, the land adjacent to 'Villa' as it was known, caught the eye of both keen golfer S. J. Weir and Mother Bonaventure Healy. Under their joint direction the golf course took shape, the first to be built and owned by a convent, and on any given Monday of the year could be found teeming with enthusiastic students from Sacred Heart College. Pictured centre left is Australian Minister for Immigration Arthur Calwell, whose daughter Mary attended SHC at that time.Digital Photograph

Now the Damascus College Auditorium, the chapel was a modern, stylish space designed for quiet reflection. catholic education, ballarat, st martin's in the pines

SHC students undertook a wide range of sporting activities as part of the curriculum. This photograph depicts fencing lessons C1936.Digital photographcatholic education, ballarat, sisters of mercy, fencing

St Paul's Technical College Ballarat was established in 1948. The Junior Technical Certificate was awarded after three years.Digital imagejunior technical certificate, catholic education, st paul's college, christian brothers

Black cap worn with the St Paul's College uniform C1990Black cap featuring St Paul's College crestcatholic education, christian brothers, technical education

A St Patrick's Day parade was held each year in Ballarat. The parade included decorated floats, marching bands and groups of local Catholic school children. Approximately 120 SHC students marched in uniform with military precision.st patrick's day, ballarat, catholic, convent of mercy

SHC Senior class C1957 photographed in the grounds of SHC/Convent of Mercy, Ballarat.catholic, catholic education, sacred heart college, ballarat, convent of mercy

St Paul's Technical College opened in 1948 and provided the Catholic boys of Ballarat with a place to earn their three-year Junior Technical Certificate. junior technical certificate, catholic education, st paul's technical college, ballarat

In 1993 Sacred Heart College entered both a junior and senior team in the 'Schoolaerobics' competition. The junior team won the State Championships, and both teams progressed to the Australian Championships. The junior team won the title of Junior Australian Champions.Digital filecatholic education, aerobics, ballarat