Monday 10 July, 2023
Dreams of future-proofing Echuca’s St Joseph’s College became a reality today with the opening of the school’s brand new learning facility, Kildare Campus.
Generations of students, teachers, staff and leaders have celebrated the landmark event which marks a transformative milestone in the school’s 137-year history.
St Joseph’s College Principal Anne Marie Cairns described the expansion to a multi-campus school as a pivotal chapter for the College, and the wider community.
“It represents our dedication to providing a comprehensive and forward-thinking Catholic education for families in the Echuca Moama region that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world,” Ms Cairns said.
“It also preserves our cherished traditions, while embracing the possibilities of the future, and honours our school’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence and growth.”
Kildare Campus is situated on 80 acres of greenfield land on Mt Terrick Rd in Echuca’s west, a short drive from the existing Brigidine Campus on Dickson Street in the CBD. The new campus will accommodate Year 7 students for the remainder of this year, Year 7 & 8 students in 2024, and Year 7, 8, & 9 students from 2025.
Included in this first stage of works is an administration building, learning building for Year 7 students, staff offices, outdoor basketball/netball courts, outdoor gym equipment, expansive passive green spaces, car park and bus drop-off areas.
Stage 2 capital works commenced in June, and will comprise a technology building, science classrooms, art spaces, canteen, sports oval, a new learning space and more learning enhancement provision.
Stage 3 works will begin in 2025 and include a sports stadium, performing arts facility and Chapel. The long-term project also includes a multi-million dollar upgrade of the Brigidine Campus in Dickson St which will commence in 2024.
Ms Cairns said the expansion to a multi-campus College enabled the school to broaden its educational offerings and cater to a growing student demand and projected population growth.
“From the very beginning, our College story has been one of commitment and willingness to break new ground,” she said.
“The combined facilities will provide contemporary learning and teaching spaces which will continue to provide quality Catholic secondary education in the Brigidine tradition to the students entrusted to our care.”
Ms Cairns said the school’s 250 Year 7 students held an important role as founding leaders and connectors, bridging the legacy of St Joseph’s past with a bright and hope-filled future.
“These bright young students are pioneers here at our new campus, and their presence and contribution will be forever etched in the history books of St Joseph’s College.
“They symbolise the bond between tradition and innovation that will define our College experience for generations to come.”
Kildare Campus Director Jarrod O’Brien said the transition for students and staff to the new campus had been smoother than expected.
Mr O’Brien said they were already reaping the wide-ranging benefits of the contemporary open plan design which allowed for flexible and collaborative working environments.
“We are blessed with wide open spaces for learners to explore, be inspired, release energy and feel comfortable and at ease,” he said.
“The natural light-filled learning environments foster a real sense of calmness in our students, and outside we have expansive lush turfed areas, basketball and netball courts, outdoor gymnasium equipment, as well as meditative and quiet passive areas.”
Mr O’Brien said the campus design catered for different learning needs, and allowed students to work in a way that suited them, with the inclusion of standing tables, break-out areas, quiet zones, sensory mats and pedal desks.
He said there were also substantial internal breakout learning areas to better enable intervention programs and extension opportunities for learners and thinkers across all curriculum areas, particularly English and Maths.
“At St Joseph’s College we have a purposeful and deliberate focus on pastoral care and on supporting our students with additional and specific needs, and that continues to be a primary focus here at Kildare Campus,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have a team of highly skilled professionals, including social workers, student counsellors, Learning Enhancement Leaders, Learning Mentors and House Leaders onsite every day to support the wellbeing needs of our students and to ensure they feel happy, safe and comfortable at school.”
Ms Cairns expressed deep gratitude for the support and dedication of College staff, parents, and the wider community in making the vision of Kildare Campus a reality.
“As we progress through the next stages of building works together, we look forward to a future filled with academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong connections.
“One culture, one community, one college; multi campus,” she said.
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