Dunedin-St-Marys-Mosgiel4A Catholic school had been set up in Mosgiel in 1892 by Katherine McLachlan.

The school was known as a ‘Church School’ – as there was no school building the children were taught in the Church. The school furniture was moved on Friday afternoon to set up the Church for Mass on Sunday, and then turned back into a classroom on Monday morning.

In 1898 the Sisters of Mercy took over the school. Sister Angela and Sister Alphonsus were the new teachers. As there was no convent in Mosgiel, the Sisters travelled by train from South Dunedin each day until they moved into a new Mercy convent in Mosgiel.

Music and speech were taught at the convent to local children and this was an important source of income for the Sisters.

Katherine McLaughlan with her school at St Mary’s Mosgiel  1892-1898.
Katherine McLaughlan with her school at St Mary’s Mosgiel 1892-1898.

Over the years, the school changed shape and place. In 1916, the Sisters moved the school into another building which had a lot more space for the children.

Then in 1958 it was decided to build a brand new school. In 2012 the whole of St Mary’s School was moved to a new site, which is where it is today.

Sisters of Mercy taught at St Mary’s School until 1984.

The above is an abridged version of the full text. For the full text please read:
St Mary’s School, Mosgiel – Full Text.