St Mary’s College Toowoomba celebrates 125 years

With a longstanding commitment to educating the young men of the future, St Mary’s College has celebrated 125 years, with one family tracing heritage all the way back to their pop’s granddad.

It’s not everyday a regional Qld high school makes it to the 125 year mark, and so three brothers attending the school have traced their history back five generations – all the right back to their pop’s granddad graduating from the Toowoomba Boys College.

Established in 1899 and overlooking the city from West and Margaret St, St Mary’s College is not just celebrating heritage and history in its own building, but the education of the men throughout the Darling Downs region.

Les Gilbert was one of the very first students in the college, and since him, a Gilbert family member has attended the school.

Five generations later, four of his great-great-grandsons are schoolboys.

St Mary's College celebrate their 125th anniversary (from left) Sid Geran, Huey Geran, Ethan Gilbert-Johnston, Archie Geran, principal Brendan Stewart and captain Ethan Payne, Friday, October 11, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

One of them, Ethan Gilbert-Johnston, is heading into his very last day of formal school and will graduate this year.

His cousins, Huey (Year 9) Sid (Year 7) and Archie Geran (Year 5) have spent the last couple of weeks learning about their own family history and exploring their connection to the school.

“It’s tradition, and I’m proud to be part of it,” Huey said.

Principal Brendan Stewart said the support of the students and families over the last 100 and more years were to thank for their continued ability to provide modern education to boys of the Darling Downs.

“Our boys have become leaders in our community and whether it be professionally, or with trades, or big or small business, education services around Toowoomba,” Mr Stewart said.

In another 100 years from now, the school will still be doing the same thing, making “good young men for the Darling Downs community”, he said.