Developing young men of integrity through faith and excellence in teaching and learning

Our Vision

The Vision of Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham is to be challenged by the values of Jesus who in the spirit of justice and compassion was committed to the poor and marginalised.

Inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, the school is committed to living the values of family and providing an education that is engaging and life giving for all.

The dignity of the individual is respected within an educational environment that is dynamic, inclusive and prayerful.

The History of Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham

Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham was established by the Christian Brothers in 1891. From small beginnings it has grown into a large school and has built a proud tradition of academic, cultural and sporting achievements.

The school was opened in 1889 at a time when Petersham and Lewisham were the terminus for the first day’s bullock teams making tracks from Sydney to Parramatta and Liverpool. At the time, the area only had a population of around 10,000 people.

The local paper reported the opening of CBHS on 12th December 1891 as “a comfortable, well-lighted building and gymnasium built at a cost of £1500 with accommodation for 100″.

Today, the school operates as an independent Catholic school that is governed and owned by The Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia. The student population of around 1300 extends from Years 5 to 12. Drawing students from across Sydney, the school is well serviced by public transport with School Special buses traveling from as far as Kingsgrove in the south, Balmain and Abbotsford in the north and Campsie in the west. Lewisham Railway Station is a short walk from the school. Big developments since the days of the bullock teams!

School Crest and Motto

The school motto is Conanti Corona, “A Crown to the One who Strives”.

The school crest is an adaptation of the Christian Brothers’ crest, highlighting the Celtic Cross and the Irish heritage of the Christian Brothers. The crest reaffirms the school’s strong connection to both the founding order and the school’s locality.

From its foundation and in line with the vision of Edmund Rice, Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham has always been a place for the ordinary man to strive to greatness. Conanti Corona captures the spirit of what is possible for the ordinary man. Our students hold it close to their heart.

School Song

Conanti Corona

We march today one thousand strong
and follow still the trail,
so marching square let’s sing their song
the men who did not quail.
The gallant few of former days
who toiled without renown
through marsh and scrub that trail to blaze
that ours might be their crown.

When far dispersed by task and time,
when stricken by life’s pain,
what’er the care, what’er the clime
a yearning through again
will stir the heart, will bring us home
in spirit ere we die;
For oft we’ll hear a voice say, “Come,
You sons of Lewisham High”.

The People Behind the History

CBHS Lewisham has a long history of strong and innovative leadership in both our Principals and Student Leaders. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Edmund Rice CBHS Lewisham’s leaders draw on the four Touchstones of Liberating Education, Justice and Solidarity, Inclusive Community and Gospel Spirituality to lead our community.

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