Sacred Heart School,
Beagle Bay

The Trappist Fathers at Beagle Bay established the first Catholic school in the Kimberley in 1892. It was a bilingual school where instruction was given in French and Nyulnyul! The Pallottine fathers took charge of the mission in 1901. The St John of God Sisters arrived in 1907 and taught in the school until the 1970s. Later, Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, Infant Jesus Sisters and the Our Lady of the Mission Sisters taught in Sacred Heart School. Over the past decade, there has been a transfer of leadership from religious orders to that of lay leadership.

Over the years Sacred Heart School has provided education for students from outlying communities, as well as distant parts of the Kimberley and beyond. Today the school provides education for approximately 130 students from Kindergarten - Year 10.

Sacred Heart is an integral part of community life, providing a place where children of the community develop as young Indigenous people who have a great deal to offer their people. The staff at the school work to develop the literacy and numeracy skills of the children with a Catholic holistic education focus. This is promoted by the use of current educational practices which also cater for Aboriginal learning styles.

There are structured computer lessons in the school for all children from pre primary through to year 10. A work skills activities program is also in place for identified older secondary students. This is a combination of formal class work and work experience in various businesses around the community. Local staff are able to pursue further study by accessing on-site facilities which connect them to Notre Dame University in Broome.