Leaving a Bequest

Bequests are an enduring and meaningful way of supporting St Mary’s. Bequests, both large and small, have played a vital role at St Mary’s since our foundation in 1921, providing for buildings, scholarships and prizes. We continue to be inspired by the members of our community who have left gifts in their will to our School.

If you have appreciated the benefits of a St Mary’s education, either directly or indirectly, and would like to support St Mary’s in this special way, please view the below brochure.

We invite our community to support the work of the Foundation and play a part in ensuring that future generations of St Mary’s girls can continue to flourish.

The Bishop Riley Society

The Bishop Riley Society recognises the special commitment made by members of our community who have chosen to leave a bequest to St Mary’s. The Society is named after St Mary’s founder, first Principal and first Chairman of the Board of Governors, Bishop Charles L Riley CBE MA LLB DTh, in honour of his vision and lifelong commitment to the school. Everyone who informs us that they have remembered St Mary’s in their will is invited to join the Society. Members are invited to an exclusive Society event each year, as well as other special events. Please email giving@stmarys.wa.edu.au if you would like to join the Society.

Bequests – your legacy

If you choose to leave a bequest to St Mary’s, you can help us plan our future work by letting us know about your kind intentions now. Any pledge that you make is not legally binding and there is no need to tell us anything about the arrangements, should you wish to keep them private. It is simply a statement of your current intention.

• A benefit of making a bequest is that all your assets remain at your disposal and under your control during your lifetime.
• You can make sure that your family and friends are the primary beneficiaries of your will and still support St Mary’s with your bequest.
• You can make a bequest of any size. There is no minimum or maximum amount.
• You can specify precisely where you want your money to be directed or you can leave this to the discretion of St Mary’s. Suggested wording for your bequest can be obtained from the school and may assist your solicitor in writing your will.
• You can modify your bequest if your circumstances change. Informing St Mary’s about a gift in your will is not binding in any way and you can change your mind at any point.
• All information is kept in the strictest confidence.
• Everyone who informs us that they have made a bequest is invited to join the Bishop Riley Society.
• If you wish, your bequest can remain anonymous.

If you would like to have a confidential conversation about leaving a bequest to St Mary’s or would like to arrange a home or campus visit, please contact our Acting Director of Philanthropy, Sarah Woods, on (08) 9341 9120 or swoods@stmarys.wa.edu.au. Your enquiries are in no way binding and will be treated in the strictest confidence.