Latest News

Compass Catholic Community in Davoren Park is set to double its capacity, announcing a $9 million expansion project to meet increasing enrolment demand. Since opening in January 2022, the fee-free learning community for young people aged 17-24 has grown rapidly.

The expansion, designed in collaboration with architects Swanbury Penglase, will introduce new state-of-the-art facilities, including a multi-purpose open hub, additional learning and gathering spaces, counselling rooms, and a tinkering workshop. Construction is being undertaken by Horizon Construction Services, with students actively engaged in the process through the Master Builders SA Born to Build program. Upon completion, the expansion will allow Compass to welcome an additional 120 students, furthering its mission to re-engage young adults in education.

Principal Kelly Bunyon expressed excitement about the milestone, highlighting the positive impact of Compass Catholic Community’s unique educational model.

“We are thrilled to be able to double our number of students to 240 as part of our master plan. Over the past three years, we have seen our community flourish, and we are so proud of every student who has come through our doors. We do things differently here—our model of education is tailored to the needs of each individual, working with them to achieve their goals and move toward living a meaningful life,” Ms Bunyon said.

Compass Catholic Community offers an alternative approach to senior secondary education, with no traditional subjects, bells, or uniforms. Students work closely with registered teachers to co-create their learning journeys, leading to South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or vocational qualifications (VET). The school also provides vital wraparound support, including free childminding for students with preschool-aged children, youth workers, daily breakfast, and essential facilities such as laundry and showers.

Catholic Education South Australia’s Executive Director, Dr Neil McGoran, commended the school’s remarkable success and its impact on young people who have re-engaged with learning.

“You can read about the statistics of young people disengaged from education on a daily basis, but what Kelly and the staff at Compass have achieved is something remarkable,” Dr McGoran said.

“Young people are, at their own choice, re-entering or continuing schooling at Compass Catholic Community and discovering their own potential. This belief in the dignity and potential of all young people is at the core of our mission in Catholic education. The positive impacts for the young people, their families, and the community are immense.

“Due to the success of Compass Catholic Community and the demand for places, we are exploring opportunities to extend this learning model to other regions across the state.”

Construction is expected to be completed by Term 4, 2025.

For more information, visit www.compass.catholic.edu.au.

Image credit: Swanbury Penglase