Under the guidance of Archbishop John Bede Polding, in 1873 the Sisters of the Good Samaritan sailed from Sydney to Wollongong to undertake the initiation of a parish school. In 1875 five Sisters opened a boarding and day school, initially enrolling 24 girls, 14 of whom were boarders and St Mary's was officially open for business.

While the facilities and buildings have grown over time to meet the needs of the students, at its heart is a Good Samaritan college with strong traditions and values based on a love of God, love of learning, hospitality, stewardship and peace.

St Mary's cherishes and values their strong traditions while also being constantly innovative in their teaching and learning practices for the wellbeing of their students.

The College, managed by a board of directors and with 120 members of staff, provides a dynamic and nurturing educational community where students and staff strive to realise their full potential aspiring to the motto, "I am born for higher things".

St Mary's, located right in the heart of Wollongong opposite South Beach, is an all girls school for students from years 7 to 12.

It is committed to providing a vibrant and transformational learning environment where students want to learn and can naturally discover their individual talents and true passions.

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The school specialises in preparing young women to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, flexible in an ever changing world and ethical individuals with a great sense of social justice in a global community.

Learning is personalised and relevant to each student, and is built on quality relationships which allows students the freedom and security to grow and flourish.

St Mary Star of the Sea College aspires to be recognised for leadership in the holistic education of young women in a caring, engaging and inspiring environment, allowing them to use their gifts to change the world for the better.

A major change took place at St Mary's four years ago with the introduction of The Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate. It is now an accredited IB school where The Middle Years Program is taught from years 7 to 10. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy - a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education and that, St Mary's also believes, is important for their students.

St Mary's is located at 15 Harbour Street, Wollongong. Go to stmarys.nsw.edu.au