Bethlehem College

In 1881, the Sisters founded St Vincent's school in Elizabeth Street Ashfield. The following year, the convent, primary and secondary schools were opened in Bland Street. In 1900, at the request of Cardinal Moran, the college was named Bethlehem College (www.bethlehemcollege.nsw.edu.au). In 1906, new buildings, including an Assembly Hall, were opened after some of the old buildings had been destroyed by fire. Mother Veronica O'Brien was the first Principal and, until 1991, the sisters continued to hold the principalship until the appointment of the first lay Principal, Ms Joy Short, in 1991. There are still Sisters working in support roles at Bethlehem where the College community continues to give solid and colourful positive recognition to the founding story.