As students across the State set begin the 2023 school year, Catholic Education SA is looking forward to a year of continued growth and expansion.
64 capital development projects are underway at 54 of 103 Catholic schools across the state, with a total investment over $391.5million.
35 of the projects are planned for completion in 2023, while a further 29 projects are underway or due to start in 2023 or beyond.
This is in addition to the more than 50 projects that were completed in 2021 and 2022, including 2 brand new schools and 1 new campus.
The projects currently being planned, designed or constructed include brand new and refurbished indoor and outdoor learning spaces, playgrounds, ovals, halls, gymnasiums, offices, technology upgrades and landscaping.
The expansions and refurbishments are in response to an ongoing increase in enrolments across the sector.
Following the February 2022 launch of its Towards 2027: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Practices strategy, Catholic Education South Australia surpassed 50,000 students for the first time in September 2022.
There were a number of initiatives underpinning this growth including fee reductions and fee freezes, the midyear intake that saw 1299 students commence Reception in July, and the opening of two brand new schools, new campuses and school expansions.
“We are working to ensure our Catholic schools have the capacity to meet increasing enrolment demand, which has stemmed from a commitment to making Catholic education more affordable, inclusive, and accessible to all,” said Dr Neil McGoran, Director Catholic Education South Australia.
“The developments also ensure Catholic schools throughout South Australia continue to provide state-of-the-art facilities that meet the requirements of today’s teaching and learning both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as being beautiful and inspiring places for our students to learn and thrive.”
Some of the major projects completed or in progress during 2022 were:
“Of course, Catholic schooling is about much more than buildings and infrastructure,” added Dr McGoran.
“Our identity and mission are centred in the person and message of Jesus and experienced within a culture of dialogue and inclusion. We are committed to working in partnership with families, and to truly raising the hearts and minds of children and young people.”
Other schools where projects will be completed in 2023 or beyond are:
Congratulations to the 10 Catholic School students who have received a Governor of South Australia Commendation - Excellence Award for their outstanding SACE results.
