Our Traditions

History

Saint Stephen's College is a co-educational, Christian day school affiliated with the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia. It began operation on 1 February 1996 with a small but emotive Blessing and Dedication Ceremony. It attracted 166 students in Year P to 7 for its beginning. This was an encouraging (and outstanding) initial enrolment as the College only opened its doors late September, 1995. It is the first school of the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia.

The Beginnings

The Coomera corridor was expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades. The then Mayor of the Gold Coast, Cr. Bell, who also wore the hat of Chancellor of the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia, responded to the data, and the 'people-talk', identified the need for another independent school in the northern area of the Gold Coast. He spoke with the Right Reverend Albert Haley, Bishop of the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia, to seek his consent for the Church to establish a school in the Coomera area. Cr Bell enlisted the support of accountant, Mr Bob Greasley, and several consultants to make an official application to DEET for approval for a P to 12 school to begin in Coomera in 1996. The necessary approval being granted, Cr Bell then invited people who had something to contribute to this vision to become Foundation College Councillors.

Whilst the securing of land became a little more drawn-out than had been expected, upon land being secured, the Council then set about the task of appointing the Headmaster/Mistress. Following the usual interview procedures, Mr Brian Rowe was appointed Foundation Headmaster in the August of 1995, and began operations on site late September 1995.

Further Councilors with local business interests were appointed in late 1995, and this saw a Council with balanced business and local community interests; all members committed to the vision that would become Saint Stephen’s College.

The Founders

From left to right : The Right Reverend Albert N Haley (deceased), Fr Michael Irvine, Michael Yarwood, Headmaster Brian P Rowe. Bottom : Cr Lex Bell, Lester Hughes, Bob Greasley.

The College Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting God.
We pray there exists in our College an atmosphere of love and care,
amongst all who teach and learn.

May there always be at Saint Stephen’s College, a desire
to love that which is worth loving,
to know that which is worth knowing,
to hold high that which is most precious to thee,
and to dislike that which is evil in thine eyes.

Grant that Saint Stephen’s College may be a home of fellowship and brotherhood,
culture and learning, and that all who pass through these doors may ever be witness
to GOD OUR STRENGTH - EXCELLENCE OUR PURSUIT.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen

The College Hymn

Ne’er Be Still

Chorus
May our light forever beckon,
Dance and ne’er be still.
In the darkness shadows cast,
Our lamp to shine His will.

1. Fill our lives O Lord we pray,
Fill every part with praise.
That we may witness Jesus’ life
In all our daily ways.

[Chorus]

2. May we be like Stephen, Lord;
Prepared to stand by you,
And excellence be our pursuit
Our strength in God be true.

[Chorus]

3. Within these walls may ears awaken
And eyes be prompt to see
The will of God in all we do
For self, for school, for Thee.

[Chorus]