New Principal appointed to St Josephine Bakhita Primary School

JUNE 2024

New Principal appointed to lead new Catholic Primary School at Clyde North

The foundation principal to lead a new Catholic primary school currently under construction in the new Five Farms estate at Clyde North has been announced.

Mrs Kathryn Pepper, who is currently principal of Trinity Catholic Primary School Narre Warren South, will lead the new St Josephine Bakhita Primary School planned to open in first term 2025.

Kathryn will assume the principalship in July for the commencement of Term 3, 2024, in preparation of the school’s planned opening in Term 1, 2025.

Kathryn has spent twenty-six years in education, with the past twenty years at Trinity Catholic Primary School. She has expanded her leadership during this time as Learning Adjustment Leader, Religious Education Leader, Deputy Principal, and the last five years as Principal.

"I'm looking forward to building a safe, inclusive, Catholic school community, with a strong learning agenda, inspired by the charism of Saint Josephine Bakhita,“ Mrs Pepper said.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale Mr Paul Velten congratulated Mrs Pepper on her appointment.

"Kathryn is an outstanding school principal. Her commitment to enlivening faith education and enhancing learning opportunities for all students through expert teaching practices will create an excellent foundation for the school. She is a dedicated leader committed to the wellbeing of students and staff, building a safe, engaging, and inclusive school community.”

As Foundation Principal, Kathryn will support the work of establishing and opening the new school and building relationships with future school and parish families.

Student enrolment enquiries have opened and a formal enrolment process will occur later this year. Recruitment for staff will also commence soon.

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School is the second Catholic primary school located in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish and will provide access to families seeking a catholic education in the fast-growing eastern part of the parish.

The long term enrolment projection for St Josephine Bakhita Primary School is 700 students, with an initial planned enrolment for 2025 of approximately 120 students.

The school is currently under construction at 40 Wild Goose Way Clyde North with a proposed opening of Term 1, 2025.

Enquiries for student places can be made by visiting the St Josephine Bakhita Primary School website: https://www.sjbclydenorth.catholic.edu.au/

Media Inquiries:

DOSCEL Media and Communications team 0417 534 232