OUR ENTITIES
St Michael’s College Caboolture Community: A School Born from Faith
In 1977, the Abbey Community at Caboolture welcomed their first child of a new generation, and from that moment the vision of a school grounded in faith, learning, and service began to take shape.
The St Michael’s College Caboolture Community History
In 1977, the Abbey Community at Caboolture welcomed their first child of a new generation, marking the beginning of a wonderful chapter in our lives. As more families grew within our Community, it became clear that we needed a school where our children could be educated with the Abbey’s spirit and values.
From this vision, St Michael’s College was born. The name was chosen in honour of the school established by the original Community members in New Barnet, England, during the 1930s, continuing a tradition of faith, learning, and service that has long been part of our history of the Abbey Community.
Our first classrooms were set up in the original farmhouse after the new Abbey House was completed in 1974. Sr Veronica and Sr Hilda, both trained teachers, devoted themselves to preparing curriculum documents and meeting the requirements needed to register a school. Their commitment laid the foundations for what would become a thriving learning community.
A Community Built School: Caboolture 1983 to 1987
What grew in Caboolture from 1983 was a genuine community built school, shaped not by developers or a board room, but by the people who lived and worshipped on the property.
In 1983, St Michael’s College was formally established with the enrolment of three additional students. In those early years, many of our Community members shared their talents and experience to enrich the education of the students. Music, science, sport, practical skills, and faith formation all became part of everyday learning.
The school grew quickly. Within a few years, enrolments increased to 20 students, and it became necessary to build a larger campus. Through what many of us still remember as a providential blessing, a bumper pumpkin harvest on the Abbey Farm, together with excellent market prices, provided the funds needed for the first school building.
Father Francis, Father George, Brother Thomas and Brother Edward and other members of the Community then set to work. Reverend Mother religiously walked down the dusty driveway armed with morning tea each day. With bulldozers, machinery, concrete blocks, and countless hours of labour, they transformed a bush site into Stage 1 of a functioning school campus. In 1986, with enrolments now reaching 35 students, a classroom block stood ready among the trees, marking the beginning of an exciting new venture.
Looking back, we are especially grateful for the strong involvement of many community members, particularly Sr Hilda, who established the school library, and Sr Veronica, who later became Principal and, after 30 years of dedicated service, transitioned into the role of Dean of Pastoral Care.
Each person’s faith and dedication helped shape the foundations of St Michael’s College and laid the groundwork for the school community that continues to thrive today.
Another important milestone came in August 1987 with the official opening of the school and the granting of formal registration. It was a joyful occasion for our entire Community.
To celebrate, Reverend Mother, who was at that time the College Administrator, organised a drama production involving all the students titled Education Through the Ages. Families, friends, and special guests gathered for the event, including the Minister for Education, Mr Ettershank, who unveiled the official plaque. Together we celebrated this long-awaited achievement in the history of our small but growing school, a moment of gratitude, joy, and hope for the future.
“Reverend Mother religiously walked down the dusty driveway armed with morning tea each day.”
From the founding story of St Michael’s College, Caboolture
A Faith-Based School in the Moreton Bay Region: Growth and Milestones
In time, the College sporting program developed further. This was supported by Br Charles, who had a great passion for sport and developed his knowledge and skill, training students for Interschool, District, Regional, and even National competitions. Sr Anne was also heavily involved in the sporting program; she later became the Student Activities Coordinator at the College, a position she holds today and is actively engaged in the day-to-day organisation of school life and events.
By 1990, St Michael’s College Caboolture community had expanded significantly, with enrolments surpassing 100 students and two additional buildings constructed to support the growing needs of the school. Three years later, with a long waiting list, the Board made the decision to further expand the College by introducing single-stream classrooms, establishing St Michael’s College Caboolture as a faith-based school for Prep to Year 7 in the Moreton Bay area.
By 2000, a new Performing Arts Complex had been opened and dedicated to Fr Francis, the College Bursar, in recognition of his contribution to the College community. From the very beginning, he established the Choir with Sister Ursula as pianist, and for both of them the Arts, particularly singing, music, and drama, were a passion. This continued as more talented staff joined the College, enriching the education and spirit of the students, a tradition that continues today.
For almost 20 years, the College administration operated without a dedicated office block. In 2005, this long-awaited need was finally met with the opening of a new Administration Block. Sister Veronica was very excited to finally have a Principal’s office.
The work of the Community members and the staff was reflected in the continual increase in enrolments, leading to the building of two purpose-built learning facilities opened with official ceremonies. The Community members were very grateful as this investment played a key role in supporting the College’s growth and development at a pivotal time.
St Michael’s College Caboolture: Community Values, Then and Now
Over more than 40 years, the College campus has grown and evolved. Br Edward has been key in the organisation of campus infrastructure and significant site improvements. He continues to play an important advisory role on the College Board today.
Another milestone that the Abbey Community celebrated was the opening of the St Michael’s College Early Learning Centre and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) facility.
As time passed, we have been delighted to see many from the Community’s next generation, as well as former students, become College staff members, reflecting their love of the values of the College.
St Michael’s College Caboolture community is an uncommon thing. It is a model of rural community education in Queensland where the founding values of the Abbey Community are not a historical footnote but an active, daily presence.
From its earliest beginnings, the College has remained grounded in the ethos and values of the Abbey Community. These enduring principles, combined with a rich and fun-filled educational experience, continue to provide students with a strong foundation to guide them throughout their life’s journey.
Continue Exploring
St Michael’s College
An independent co-educational P-6 school and Early Learning Centre, grounded in the ethos of the Abbey Community.
The Abbey Church
An Orthodox Catholic church offering Sunday Holy Communion, evening meditation, and sacramental care.
Abbey Museum
The Abbey Community brought collections from England and established a museum in 1986, home to the Abbey Medieval Festival.
Abbey Farm
A working dairy farm, orchard, and organic garden that has sustained the Community for 60 years.
Retreats
Nine quiet rooms, a refectory, library, chapel, and courtyard garden for personal retreat and group programs.