In the early days Kensington residents would walk to St Brendan’s, in Flemington for Mass and school. That changed in 1915 when Holy Rosary Parish was established in Derby St, and Holy Rosary School was founded.
The foundation stone of the school’s first building was laid and blessed by Archbishop Carr on 14 May 1916. The school was entrusted to the Sisters of Mercy, with Sr Clare Daly serving as the first principal.
As the community grew, so did the parish. The original church on Derby Street was eventually replaced by a new one on Gower Street, where the first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1928. The church was officially opened by Archbishop Mannix.
Holy Rosary has always been a welcoming home for families from all over the world—including Ireland, Italy, Malta, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, and Somalia. We take pride in the rich cultural diversity that shapes our school community.
When the sale yards and abattoirs closed in 1984, Kensington began a new chapter of urban renewal. New families were drawn to Holy Rosary, attracted by the village feel of the neighbourhood and the close proximity to the city.
The Mercy Sisters continued to guide the school with care and dedication until 2012, when the first lay principal, Amanda Smith, was appointed following Sr Kerry’s retirement. Today, the Mercy values of hospitality and inclusivity remain central to our school’s culture—ensuring that every student and family feels a sense of belonging.
Holy Rosary School is now home to 245 students, and we continue to grow as a vibrant, faith-filled community with deep roots and an open heart.
