Our Story

Our Antonio story began 50 years ago with the enduring legacy of Herbert and Ethel Antonio, whose faith and generosity shaped the foundation of our school and parish community. Living their lives on a family farm north of Old Noarlunga, Herbert and Ethel were quiet yet steadfast parishioners who attended Mass at Morphett Vale Church, which then belonged to the Willunga parish. As the area grew, so did their parish’s needs, prompting the Antonio family to step forward in ways that would have a lasting impact. 

In 1970, Herbert approached Monsignor Rob Edgar, concerned that the priest's temporary residence at Morphett Vale was inadequate. In a remarkable gesture of kindness, Herbert offered to buy a proper house for the priest. His generous spirit didn’t stop there; he and his sister Ethel contributed to the purchase of several properties near the church, establishing a foundation for what would later become Antonio Catholic School. 

As Morphett Vale developed into a thriving suburb, Herbert and Ethel continued to support their community's growth. In 1972, a new church was built to serve the expanding population. The Antonio family contributed $80,000 - an enormous sum at the time - without any expectation of recognition. In fact, Herbert’s modesty shone through when he shared with Monsignor Edgar that he felt it was his duty to give, particularly when he saw young couples humbly placing their envelopes in the collection plate. His reflections highlighted his humility and strong sense of responsibility, values that we continue to cherish in our school community today.  

The support of the Antonio family extended further, laying the groundwork for the construction of Antonio Catholic School. Opened in 1975 as the first new Catholic school in Adelaide’s Archdiocese in a decade, the school was aptly named in tribute to Herbert and Ethel. Their generosity and faith were vital in transforming a growing neighbourhood into a cohesive, faith-filled community. 

Herbert and Ethel passed away within months of each other in 1977, marking the end of an era. Yet, their legacy lives on in Antonio Catholic School and the wider community they helped nurture. Their unassuming faith and generous spirit provide us with lessons that continue to shape our identity today. 

Our school strives to embody the Antonio family values of humility, service, and generosity. Just as Herbert and Ethel saw their community's needs and responded with open hearts, we commit ourselves to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and valued. Their story inspires us to carry forward a legacy of compassion and commitment to the common good, reminding us that even the simplest acts of kindness can create a lasting impact. 

At Antonio Catholic School, we honour their story by nurturing a place where faith, community, and service are celebrated every day. As we look to the future, we remain rooted in the values that Herbert and Ethel Antonio held dear, forever grateful for the legacy that continues to inspire us today.