History of the Academy of Mary Immaculate
Background
The Academy is dedicated in a special way to Mary, the Mother of God, under her title "the Immaculate Conception". Another scriptural title of the Blessed Virgin Mary "Speculum Sine Macula" - "Mirror without Blemish" - is incorporated in the Academy badge which was designed, in the school colours of blue and white.
The Cross - above the shield symbolizes FAITH
The Book - Symbolizes KNOWLEDGE
The Wattle - love of HOME and COUNTRY
The early history of the Academy is also reflected in the names of the four school "houses" - McAuley, Goold, Frayne and Sherlock.
| McAuley (Green) - Mother M Catherine McAuley - foundress of the Sisters of Mercy |  |
| Goold (Blue) - Archbishop Goold who brought the first Sisters of Mercy to Melbourne. |  |
| Frayne (Red) - Mother M Ursula Frayne - the first Sister of Mercy in Australia |  |
| Sherlock (Gold) - Mother Mary Joseph Sherlock - companion of Mother Ursula Frayne |  |
Timeline
| 1857 April 20th | Opening of a school for young ladies. | |
| 1858 June | Foundation stone of a new boarding and day school laid. | |
| 1860 | "House of Mercy" established in Kennedy Cottage (now used as the Administration centre). | |
| 1863 | The College comprised 3 sections: Boarding and day school for young
ladies Middle school for children of humbler means An infant school |
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| 1869-81 | Palmer Street Building erected. | |
| 1885 | Mother Ursula Frayne died. | |
| 1889 | Memorial Chapel completed. Mother Ursula Frayne's body re-interred in the Chapel. |  |
| 1907 | Golden Jubilee - Academy Badge designed. | |
| And more recently... | ||
| 1954/55 | 4 Classrooms built on north site (now used as Art rooms), "N" block. | |
| 1966/67 | Hall - Science rooms built as extension to 1955 building | |
| 1971 | Boarding School closes 1972/73 "E" Block built - classrooms | |
| 1986 | Junior School located in St George's Primary School Pelham Street, Carlton | |
| 1988/89 | Administration Block refurbished |  |
| 1990 | Lecture Theatre installed at back of Hall. | |
| 1991 | "E" Block extended | |
| 1992 | Library renovated in Palmer Street Building Motto "Live the Truth" accepted as a modern version of the scriptual title "Speculum Fine Macula". | |
| 1994 | Science Area in "N" block fully renovated. |  |
| 1995/96 | Performing Arts Complex constructed. Junior school re-located from Pelham Street Carlton to the Nicholson Street Campus. | |
| 1999 | Arts Rooms Refurbished. Fibre Optic LAN installed throughout College. | |
| 2001-02 | College Network expanded. Palmer Street Building Refurbished, including establishment of IT facilities. |
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| 2004-05 | Hall Refurbishment. Careers Centre Refurbished | |
| 2005 | East Building Refurbished | |
| 2006 | Murray Room Refurbished. Chapel Courtyard remodelled. 10 Year Masterplan commenced |
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