INTRODUCTION

The Sisters of St Joseph established St Mary's School, Bowen in 1872. It is the oldest Catholic school in the Townsville Diocese. The Sisters of St Joseph were recalled to Sydney in 1879 and the school was administered by a Diocesan order, the Sisters of the Holy Family until 1885, when the Sisters of Mercy arrived to begin a presence in the Bowen community that continues today. A lay principal and staff now administer St Mary's School. St Mary's School has a proud  ongoing tradition of academic excellence, having Jesus as our role model and serving the Bowen community. Small class sizes help to enhance learning opportunities for the students.