From its early beginnings as a primary school for boys the site was operated by the Christian Brothers following a tradition of rigorous teaching of both secular and religious subjects.

At the first annual prize distribution night in December 1893 the local parish priest, Peter Kernan, complimented the boys, the staff and the Brothers, represented by Br O'Hagan, on the fine progress they were making.

[1] The education of girls in the local area was catered for by the Sisters of Charity, an order of nuns, who had opened St. Joseph's Primary School, Collingwood, just two years earlier.

[2] In its first year the boys school at Abbotsford operated from a two-story, slate roofed, brick building which included a small chapel.

Not only did this recognise those boys who had achieved high academic placings but it was also something of a spectacle encompassing gymnastics, singing, recitations and theatrical performance.

[4] A strong Australian Army Cadet unit operated sporadically for various years beginning around 1908 when it formed two Companies, A and B, of the 12th Victorian Battalion.

Its establishment, supported by Archbishop Daniel Mannix, was designed to cater for the needs of Catholic youth from the north of the city who were seeking a trade.

Representatives of the clergy, parents and members of the Abbotsfordonians' Old Boys association were present to share their memories of past school days.