St. James Roman Catholic Primary School was established in 1874 by the visionary Father John Duignam. Initially known as the St. James Mission School, it was founded with a profound purpose: to serve the children of Kalk Bay’s vibrant Filipino fishing community, providing them with a foundation of knowledge and faith.

Over our rich history, the school has occupied various sites and played a pivotal role in the community. It stood as a beacon of hope when it served as a hospital during the 1918 flu epidemic. In 1900, Father Duignam was even instrumental in naming the new St. James Station after his church. As the community grew, so did our school, and in 2024, we joyfully celebrated our 150th anniversary, honouring a long legacy of dedication to our learners.