The Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta has confirmed that McCarthy Catholic College in Emu Plains will have a new name from next year.
The well-known local school will be known as Penola Catholic College Emu Plains.
Penola is the place where St Mary of the Cross Mackillop and Father Julian Tenison-Woods started a school, beginning their work of extending the opportunities of education to thousands of Australian children and young people.
College Principal Leader Tania Cairns said that the school draws strength from values and example of St Mary MacKillop.
“Our learning community looks to the life of this strong woman and her work in education for inspiration,” she said.
“We’re very proud of the strong reputation the College is developing for learning and teaching in the Penrith and Lower Mountains areas.”
The school was established in 1986 as a senior secondary college and became a comprehensive Year 7 to 12 school in 1999. Well-known graduates include State Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and rugby league legend Brad Fittler.
The Diocese said the announcement “follows considerable reflection among the school community”.
The history of the College and the McCarthy name will continue to be recognised and acknowledged in a variety of ways at Penola Catholic College as well as at the McCarthy campus of CathWest Innovation College.
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