In the 1980’s, with the building of the Aluminum Smelter development and in light of the then demographic predictions, the All Saints’ Parish Steering Committee made the decision to establish a second catholic school in Portland, on land purchased 20 years earlier, in preparation for a likely expansion of Catholic education needs in the future.
The steering committee was successful in acquiring a grant to the sum of $380,000.
In 1983, building of a second catholic school began in South Portland. The school was officially opened in 1984.
The new school was named MacKillop, after the renowned teacher Mary MacKillop, who lived and taught at All Saints’ school, for several years in the 1860’s prior to becoming the first Sister of Joseph. Due to her commitment to education and her dedication to the Church and to the poor, Mary MacKillop stands as a model for all members of the All Saints community. St. Mary MacKillop remains a our patron saint and we are strongly influenced by her words..."Never see a need without doing something about it."
MacKillop opened with 52 children ranging from Prep to Grade 5. The first Principal was Sister Teresa Lowery, assisted by two full time staff members, Miss Cathy Balfour and Mr. John Yurisic. Mr. Michael McCrickard was Principal from 1985 to 1987 and Mrs. Gloria Council followed in 1988 until 2014 when our current Principal Mrs. Olga Lyons was appointed.
The original school building consisted of four general purpose learning areas, a multi-purpose area, staff room and toilet blocks.
The school population steadily increased, and in 1997 a second building stage was completed which consisted of a Principal’s office, staff room and sick-bay.
In 1999 due to the changing demographics of Portland, the feasibility of continuing to fund and resource 2 Catholic schools in Portland began to be questioned. After a lengthy process the decision was made that the 2 Catholic schools in Portland would be amalgamated. The amalgamated school would be known as All Saints’ Parish School and would be located at the MacKillop site.
In the year 2001, after many years of applying for a Capital Grant for a new building, which would include permanent classrooms, a 1.7 million dollar grant was received. This enabled the Parish to begin a major redevelopment of the MacKillop site and consolidate the process of amalgamation of the two Catholic Schools, to be completed by the year 2003.
The 1st stage of the building began in 2002 and included 4 classrooms, new administration area, offices and staffroom, multi-purpose room, library, computer room and art room. The building was completed by mid-year 2003. A further 8 classrooms were planned for a second building stage in the future. The All Saints school in Bentinck Street and the MacKillop schools officially closed at the end of 2002.
Despite the new buildings not being completed, 2003 saw the beginning of All Saints’ Parish School in Fawthrop Street, with an enrolment of 295 students. We continued this new phase of Catholic Education in Portland with a buoyant confidence in our ability to meet the challenges of modern Catholic education.
In 2010, as a result of the Government Building Education Revolution (BER) funding, the planned second building stage was able to go ahead. This saw the construction of 8 more classrooms and a large roof built over the pre-existing courtyard.
All Saints Parish School serves a community of mixed socio-economic background, drawing children from both city and rural environments. The School is characterized by its warm and friendly atmosphere, where each member of the community is made welcome. We are proud of our family orientation, and are rewarded by parents who are respectful and supportive of the school’s leadership and who have become actively involved in a variety of activities.
Our teaching staff collaborate professionally and are conversant with current philosophies and practices. Their dedication and professionalism combined with a broad, comprehensive and flexible curriculum promotes an educational environment where children are encouraged to strive for, and achieve their personal best.
Our students are encouraged to show courtesy and respect, and to be tolerant and inclusive of the differences of others, reflecting the importance of the Gospel Values, which are promoted within our School and the wider Community
We are blessed with staff members and families united in their philosophy and commitment to the All Saints Parish School vision.
The steering committee was successful in acquiring a grant to the sum of $380,000.
In 1983, building of a second catholic school began in South Portland. The school was officially opened in 1984.
The new school was named MacKillop, after the renowned teacher Mary MacKillop, who lived and taught at All Saints’ school, for several years in the 1860’s prior to becoming the first Sister of Joseph. Due to her commitment to education and her dedication to the Church and to the poor, Mary MacKillop stands as a model for all members of the All Saints community. St. Mary MacKillop remains a our patron saint and we are strongly influenced by her words..."Never see a need without doing something about it."
MacKillop opened with 52 children ranging from Prep to Grade 5. The first Principal was Sister Teresa Lowery, assisted by two full time staff members, Miss Cathy Balfour and Mr. John Yurisic. Mr. Michael McCrickard was Principal from 1985 to 1987 and Mrs. Gloria Council followed in 1988 until 2014 when our current Principal Mrs. Olga Lyons was appointed.
The original school building consisted of four general purpose learning areas, a multi-purpose area, staff room and toilet blocks.
The school population steadily increased, and in 1997 a second building stage was completed which consisted of a Principal’s office, staff room and sick-bay.
In 1999 due to the changing demographics of Portland, the feasibility of continuing to fund and resource 2 Catholic schools in Portland began to be questioned. After a lengthy process the decision was made that the 2 Catholic schools in Portland would be amalgamated. The amalgamated school would be known as All Saints’ Parish School and would be located at the MacKillop site.
In the year 2001, after many years of applying for a Capital Grant for a new building, which would include permanent classrooms, a 1.7 million dollar grant was received. This enabled the Parish to begin a major redevelopment of the MacKillop site and consolidate the process of amalgamation of the two Catholic Schools, to be completed by the year 2003.
The 1st stage of the building began in 2002 and included 4 classrooms, new administration area, offices and staffroom, multi-purpose room, library, computer room and art room. The building was completed by mid-year 2003. A further 8 classrooms were planned for a second building stage in the future. The All Saints school in Bentinck Street and the MacKillop schools officially closed at the end of 2002.
Despite the new buildings not being completed, 2003 saw the beginning of All Saints’ Parish School in Fawthrop Street, with an enrolment of 295 students. We continued this new phase of Catholic Education in Portland with a buoyant confidence in our ability to meet the challenges of modern Catholic education.
In 2010, as a result of the Government Building Education Revolution (BER) funding, the planned second building stage was able to go ahead. This saw the construction of 8 more classrooms and a large roof built over the pre-existing courtyard.
All Saints Parish School serves a community of mixed socio-economic background, drawing children from both city and rural environments. The School is characterized by its warm and friendly atmosphere, where each member of the community is made welcome. We are proud of our family orientation, and are rewarded by parents who are respectful and supportive of the school’s leadership and who have become actively involved in a variety of activities.
Our teaching staff collaborate professionally and are conversant with current philosophies and practices. Their dedication and professionalism combined with a broad, comprehensive and flexible curriculum promotes an educational environment where children are encouraged to strive for, and achieve their personal best.
Our students are encouraged to show courtesy and respect, and to be tolerant and inclusive of the differences of others, reflecting the importance of the Gospel Values, which are promoted within our School and the wider Community
We are blessed with staff members and families united in their philosophy and commitment to the All Saints Parish School vision.