The school was founded in 1958 by the Marist Fathers, and established on the site of what is now Pettitt Park, in the Geelong suburb of Bell Post Hill.
The Science Club also sponsored end of term excursions to such places as Perth, Cairns, Woomera, Tasmania and the Snowy Mountains.
In 1968, at the suggestion of students, a teacher of speechcraft and voice production was employed to further improve the standard of public speaking in the school.
The rector's report in the 1970 issue of The Sword also mentioned finances, specifically Federal and State government grants, as a key reason for the Marist withdrawal from Chanel.
The then rector, Fr Guiren, had the unenviable task of announcing and overseeing the withdrawal of the Marists from Chanel.
The move was announced to students and parents at the annual play night on 23 June 1970 at the Corio Centenary Hall.
An 'Action Group' of parents, lay teachers and other supporters sprang into action in an attempt to save Chanel.
[1] The first Christian Brother principal of Chanel was David Carey, BA (Melb), MACE, a highly regarded and respected teacher.
[1] In 2015 a former Christian Brother was jailed for offences against vulnerable boys during the 1970s and 1980s at a number of schools including Chanel College.
It was stated that the opening of new schools in the region had led to falling enrolments, and that refurbishment was required to a number of buildings.