100 years of Cronulla Catholic education at St Aloysius Primary School

The small junior school was founded by St Mary MacKillop's order of nuns, the Josephites, in 1918.

A few years later the Sisters of Mercy took over and have only recently retired from having an active role in the school’s curriculum.

The first sisters ran the school in the historic Thornton Hall, built in the 1930’s on Nicholson Parade, which still stands solid today. 

Many generations of Cronulla families have passed through the school gates and there are some studying there now with their third and fourth  generation running around the playground.

One such family is the Coadys, well known for their Caringbah Pharmacy.

The Coadys have three generations who have attended the school. Grandmother Carol Coady and her late husband Peter were both ex-pupils of "St Alos" as was son Ben who now has four of his own children at the school, Edward, Flynn, Tamara and Keira.

Several events are scheduled to celebrate the centenary in June.

In the meantime, the school is asking for any old photos and memorabilia to help record and display this rich part of Cronulla's scholastic history.

The festival week begins on Monday, June 18, with pupils of St Aloysius presenting 100 Acts of Kindness to residents.

On Tuesday, June 19, shire senior citizens are invited to share stories of their past days at the school followed by morning tea and a walk down memory lane.

On Wednesday, June 20, it’s the time for the students of today and tomorrow (preschoolers) who will enjoy a games morning with current pupils and students from the other Catholic high schools in the area.

The Feast of St Aloysius will be held on Thursday, June 21 with a celebration mass at St Aloysius Parish Church at 9.30am followed by morning tea in Thornton Hall.

On Friday, June 22, students will perform music and dance routines followed by planting of a time capsule and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque followed by an evening cocktail event at Summer Salt, Cronulla.