Gilroy Santa Maria College is the result of a merger in 1984 of two secondary Catholic schools, both established in the district in 1949:

  • Santa Maria High School, girls' school administered by the Sisters of Mercy, and

  • Cardinal Gilroy College, a boys' school administered by the Christian Brothers.

The College's mottos are:

  • "Sub Tuum Praesidium" means "under your protection" (Sisters of Mercy)
  • "Facere Et Docere" means "to do and to teach" (Christian Brothers)

The colours of the College's crest and uniform, blue and gold, are taken from the colours of the individual schools:

  • Royal Blue - the traditional Church colour symbolising Our Lady under her title of "Stella Maris" or "Star of the Sea" - the colour blue represents the sea.
  • Gold - symbolises light and reminds us that the light of jesus Christ is available to all people.  Thus the mission of the College is to enhance the light of Christ in every person we meet.