History

In February 1949, the Sisters of St. Joseph opened the Catholic School, sited in the J.P. Ryan Hall in Leahy Street.

Their dedicated service continued until 1979, when lack of numbers forced the Order to inform Bishop R. Mulkearns of Ballarat that they could no longer supply teaching staff.

The first Lay Principal and Teacher were appointed in 1979, and a few years later a decision was made to build a new school.

The new school building was completed in time for the 1983 school year, then in 1992 further capital works were undertaken. This resulted in a new library, classroom and refurbishment of the Principal/Administration office. This work was officially blessed and opened on 3 May 1992.

During 2003 the school underwent further significant capital works. Renovations and extensions included a new staff room, library area, toilets, the refurbishment of classrooms and the addition of a new office/administration section at the front of the school building.

2009/10 saw the demolition of the J.P. Ryan Hall to make way for a brand new multipurpose facility, the ‘St. Patrick's Community Hall’.

The voluntary efforts and hard work of many school community members are evident at St. Patrick's. The continued goodwill and support of the community ensures its vital role in the future education of the wider Nhill community.

St. Patrick's Parish is located in the Ballarat Diocese. Our Governing Authority is Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL). Our Parish Priest is Mons. Glynn Murphy who is based in Horsham.