Built by the Marist Order on land purchased from Didier Joubert, a temporary wooden building was erected firstin 1876. By 1881, 55 boarders, mainly from an earlier school in Harrington Street, Sydney, were accommodated there. This structure was demolished in 1895. In 1882, three sandstone buildings – south, central and north – were erected. A cupola and statue were added in 1904. The main gates on Ryde Road originally stood in front of Sydney Town Hall and were made by John Connolly of Woolloomooloo.