OUR HERITAGE

Parade College is the oldest of the Christian Brothers schools in Australia and we’re proud to have been a positive influence in boys’ education since 1871. Here’s our story.

The Christian Brothers were founded by Blessed Edmund Rice, an Irishman who was inspired by his religious faith and deep concern for the poor to set up a night school in for boys in Waterford, Ireland in 1802. By 1808, Edmund had established a permanent school, Mount Sion, and took his first vows as a religious brother. In 1882 Edmund was elected Superior General of the Christian Brothers.

The first Christian Brothers came to Australia in 1843 before Edmund’s death the following year. They remained in Sydney for four years before returning to Ireland. In 1868, Brother Patrick Ambrose Treacy led a group of Brothers to Melbourne. Parade was their first school.

Edmund Rice’s vision was to provide boys with a balanced and holistic education in the spirit of the Gospels and with an emphasis on personal growth, community and understanding. We are proud to carry on his work in the 21st century.