By Violet Li
A new Catholic primary school in the new estate of Five Farms at Clyde North has kicked off the construction marked by a turning of the sod.
St Josephine Bakhita Primary School will be the 44th school to be added to the network of primary and secondary schools owned and operated by the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd. in south-east Victoria.
Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet said the turning of the sod symbolised the beginnings of a new Catholic school which would connect and shape the lives of generations of children to come in this new community.
“As a Church we are excited to grow with communities to meet their needs for faith-filled education that enables families and young people to flourish,” he said.
Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale Paul Velten, said extensive planning had been taking place to progress the construction of the new school.
“Melbourne’s south-eastern growth corridor is rapidly expanding with thousands of people moving into the area each year,” he said.
“Many new residents are families seeking a quality Catholic education for their children.
“The construction of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School at Clyde North aims to fulfil this need, providing families with access to a faith-based, modern and affordable primary school, close to their home.”
Mr Velten said the new school would complement St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School which opened in nearby Cranbourne East nine years ago and now had more than 720 enrolments.
“We look forward to working with Very Reverend Denis O’Bryan in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish, as we establish St Josephine Bakhita as the second Catholic Primary School in his Parish,” he said.
Five Farms is a master planned community in Clyde North being developed by Frasers Property Australia.
When complete, Five Farms will comprise approximately 1,600 homes with comprise schools, childcare facilities, a local town centre, residents’ club, parklands, and access to public transport including trains and buses.
General Manager Development Victoria for Frasers Property Australia Sarah Bloom said the school was destined to be an important focal point for the Five Farms community.
“It is a vital component in a long list of amenities we are delivering at Five Farms,” she said.
“The development of the school means Five Farm residents will have everything they need, right in their neighbourhood.”
The St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School project is supported by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2025. Enrolments will begin in Term 4, 2024 and the first Term is expected to commence in 2025.
