A Rich History Since 1856
St John the Baptist Primary School has been part of the Maitland community since 1856, with a proud history of Catholic education, Dominican tradition and service to generations of local families.
Our story began when Dean Lynch purchased land in Victoria Street, Maitland. On 7 April 1856, the foundation stone for the new school was laid. A document placed beneath the foundation stone described the proposed building as a two-storey brick structure, with a schoolroom for boys on the lower floor and a schoolroom for girls above.
The school was named St John the Baptist School and was initially staffed by lay teachers.
The Dominican Tradition
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan arrived in 1864 and taught at the school for three years. Following their departure, the school was briefly staffed by Miss Healy before the arrival of the Dominican Sisters on 16 September 1867.
The arrival of the Dominican Sisters began an enduring relationship that has profoundly shaped the identity and traditions of St John the Baptist. Their commitment to faith, learning and service established a legacy that continues to influence our school today.
In 1866, following the introduction of the NSW Public Schools Act, St John’s was formally accredited as a Denominational School.
A Growing School
As Maitland and its Catholic community grew, so too did St John the Baptist.
In 1874, St John’s Primary School was built facing Cathedral Street. During the following decades, responsibility for the education of boys at St John’s was undertaken at different times by the Patrician Brothers, lay teachers and later the Marist Brothers.
Around 1910, a significant addition was made to the Victoria Street school building. A downstairs room was used for Kindergarten, while the upper storey was divided into two classrooms.
The school continued to develop throughout the twentieth century. In 1946, an adjoining site was purchased from the CBC Bank, expanding the school’s playing area, and an Army hut was installed for use as a school hall.
Further renovations took place in 1952 and again following the devastating 1955 Maitland flood, as the school prepared to celebrate its centenary in 1956.
During the 1960s, additional property was acquired and older buildings were demolished to provide increased play space and allow for further classroom construction. As enrolments continued to grow, additional classrooms were added to accommodate the school’s expanding population.
St John the Baptist Today
Today, St John the Baptist Primary School is a vibrant Catholic learning community of approximately 400 students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Much has changed since the first students entered the Victoria Street school in 1856, but our commitment to Catholic education and our Dominican tradition remains at the heart of who we are.
Our history continues to be reflected in our traditions, symbols and celebrations, and in the generations of families who have been part of the St John the Baptist community.
We are proud of those who came before us and the foundations they established. Guided by the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service, we continue their legacy as we look with confidence to the future.