Seventy years ago, on Tuesday 9 February 1954, St Michael’s College welcomed its very first students, 29 in total.

Ian Daniels was dropped off, by his father, at 78 East Avenue, and walked through the entrance. He was the first student to arrive at the College on its very first day. Gradually, other students began to arrive. All were dressed alike, in grey drill shorts, short-sleeve shirts, and grey ties with maroon and blue stripes and a grey cap.

The school year began with three teachers – Br Victor Eviston (Director), Br George Kane and Br Ephrem Gilfedder. Diary events from the first year reveal a number of activities that the students were involved in, including the first Mass celebrated in the College Church, a trip to Wayville showgrounds to welcome the Queen to Adelaide, attendance at a Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Michael, followed by a tennis tournament at the Allenby Gardens Courts and Confirmation Day at the Parish Church of Hindmarsh where 24 St Michael’s College boys were amongst the 35 confirmed.

It was also the beginning of the sporting tradition where St Michael’s fielded some cricket teams and a football team, a tradition that has grown and lived on many years later.

To commemorate this special occasion, we welcomed back our Old Scholars to what is now known as the Primary Campus. It was a special moment, connecting past and present. Ilijana, Max, Evie and William (Reception) listened to the stories that our Old Scholars shared, while trying on the grey blazer and maroon prefect cap once worn by students at the College.

Learn more about St Michael’s College on our History page.