Blessing of buildings at St Brigid's 

Blessing of New Learning Centre at

St Brigid’s Primary School, Officer

March 2024

Staff and students at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School at Officer celebrated the Blessing and official opening of a new two-storey learning centre which has created additional learning and collaborative spaces for staff and students to thrive.

Parish Priest, Reverend Jeff Kleynjans officially Blessed and opened the new facilities. He was joined by Emma Vulin MP - Member for Pakenham, the Hon Martin Dixon and Dr Dominic Thomas - DOSCEL Board Directors, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Ken Gale - Principal, along with staff, students, invited guests, and friends of the school and parish community.

The project represents Stage 3 of the School’s Masterplan re-development completed in two phases: Stage 3A involved the addition of four general learning areas to meet growing enrolments. Stage 3B included construction of a new two-storey learning centre comprising four flexible learning areas, and three dedicated specialist classrooms, new staffroom and teacher resource area. The project also included refurbishment of Administration facilities, relocation and upgrade of the existing Library and landscaping.

Principal, Mr Ken Gale said the building projects had been transformative for the school.

“Our school continues to increase in student numbers and the additional classrooms and purpose-built learning centre are providing a dynamic and supportive learning environment for staff and students. “

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, said

Catholic education in the Diocese is flourishing, with St Brigid’s catering to the rapidly growing communities in the south-east growth corridor.

“The $3.5million Stage 3B Learning Centre development was principally funded through the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program (CFP) via a grant of $2million and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). We are grateful for this support in bringing these facilities to fruition.”

“The projects have created an inspiring learning environment and added to the excellent standard of teaching and learning offered at St Brigid’s Primary School”, Mr Velten said.

St Brigid’s Primary School is one of three Catholic primary schools located in the Parish of St Michael’s. St Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary College is also located in the Parish.

Media Inquiries:

Media and Communications Adviser

Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited

Karyn O’Brien 0417 534 232