Cathedral School
A cathedral derives its name from the Latin word cathedra with means the seat or throne of the bishop. In this sense the Cathedral is the Bishop's church, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Sydney, where civic and liturgical services are held under the auspices of the Anglican Church of Australia.
St Andrew's Cathedral was founded in 1819 and consecrated in 1868 making it the oldest cathedral in Australia. Of the three architects who contributed to its design the most significant was Edmund Blacket, Colonial Architect 1849 to 1854. Between 1999 and 2000 major conservation and restoration work was undertaken to restore Blacket's original internal layout whereby the Holy Table and sanctuary were re-established at the Cathedral's Eastern end. During World War II these elements had been moved to the Cathedral's western window.
The Cathedral is built in the shape of a cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. The main body of the church is called the nave, which is crossed by an aisle called the transept that separates the nave from the chancel where the choir and clergy sit. There are two sides of the choir; cantoris, the side of the Precentor, as cantor means singer, and decani, the side of the Dean who is the senior clerical appointee within the Cathedral. For many years the Dean was Chairman of the School Council.
Because the School was founded from the Cathedral traditions, St Andrew's is legally supervised by the Cathedral Chapter which appoints and approves members of the School Council which was formed in 1979. The Council is responsible for administering the School's policies and formulating its mission and vision as well as appointing successive Heads of School.
The Cathedral remains central to the School's philosophy, ethos and operations. St Andrew's is distinctive among all Australian schools to enjoy the rare privilege of having a cathedral as its Chapel and assembly centre. A variety of choral and instrumental presentations and mission programmes are also held in the Cathedral. The School regularly uses the adjoining Chapter House for performances, gatherings and regular Sunday youth services. The historic Chapter House was opened in 1886, a year after the School's founding.
The School's Christian mission focuses on the Cathedral and ministry outreach into the City. The School's Chaplain works in conjunction with the Dean in this ministry programme which is supported by the School's Christian development courses undertaken by all students.
