Our History

1894

School Opening

The School opened on 8 October 1894 on its original site in Kermode St, North Adelaide with 4 students. Sister Lucy wrote:

“Our first little pupils arrived for the Collegiate School. We expected two and were pleased to have four, two boys and two girls. Sister Lucy, Sister Francesca and Miss Trevenen were present at prayers. Canon Green called in the afternoon, so he was the first visitor.”

1912

Opening of the Boarding House

The School reached the milestone of 100 students and a Boarding House was opened in the 4^th quarter, originally with 4 boarders and a 5^th joined a week later. Sister Nora (Principal) wrote:

“The boarders are happy in their Saturday occupations: practicing, sewing, washing hair or sitting on the lawn.”

1914

Old Scholars' Association

The Old Scholars’ Association (known as the “Old Girls’ Association”) is formed with Ms Hilda Burton as its first secretary. The School’s first magazine called Chronicles of St. Peter’s was also published.

1949

Chiverton House is Purchased

Under the Principalship of Sister Scholastica, the 9 acre “Chiverton” site at Stonyfell is purchased and a garden party was held on the new grounds in November for the School’s students, staff and parents.

1957

Kermode Street Closes

9 May 1957 was the last day at Kermode St and on 29 May 1957, the School opened at its new premises in Stonyfell. Sister Gabrielle (Principal) wrote:

“It is inspiring to think of the faith and vision which led the Sisters to purchase the property, of the generosity and self-sacrifice and co-operation of parents and friends who worked so hard and enthusiastically to collect funds, of the skill of the architect and the goodwill and interest of the builder and workmen who erected the building in such an incredibly short time. Above all, we are reminded of the power of prayer and the goodness of God. To many people the new School is like a dream come true; a vision which has become a reality.”

1964

School Chapel

The School Chapel is completed and dedicated.

1969

First Lay Principal

Miss Elizabeth Pike is appointed as the first lay Head after the Sisters withdraw from direct administration of the School.

1986

Governance Handed to the School Board

A change in vocation within the Community resulted in the Sisters creating a different governance model and gifting the School to a Board of Governors under the Principalship of Mr. Douglas Stott.

1994

100 Years of Saints Girls

The School celebrates its centenary.

2014

Old Scholars' Association

The Old Scholars’ Association celebrates its centenary.

2024

130 Celebration

In 2024, the School celebrated its 130th Anniversary.

2026

The Emily Centre

In 2026, St Peter’s Girls completed it’s biggest project in the School’s history: the Emily Centre. This is a state-of-the-art facility offering two multipurpose indoor courts, spectator platform, modern fitness room, weights room, movement studio, drama space, music rooms, general learning classrooms, changerooms, and 28 underground carparks, including 8 repurposed bus car parks.