Construction begins on new catholic primary school at Clyde North

Major earthworks are now underway on the St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School at Five Farms, Frasers Property Australia’s new community in Melbourne’s burgeoning south-east corridor.

Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sale Most Reverend Gregory Bennet, Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale Maria Kirkwood, and Frasers Property Australia’s Senior Development Manager Sharon Coates celebrated the commencement of construction at a ground breaking ceremony today.

Bishop Bennet said the turning of the sod symbolised the beginnings of a new Catholic primary school which will connect and shape the lives of generations of children to come in this new community at Farm Farms.

“As a Church we are excited to grow with communities to meet their needs for faith-filled education that enables families and young people to flourish.”

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Ms Maria Kirkwood, said the south eastern growth corridor was rapidly expanding with thousands of people moving into the area each year.

“Many new residents are families seeking a quality Catholic education for their children. The construction of St Josephine Bakhita at Clyde North aims to fulfil this need, providing families with access to a modern, affordable, faith-based primary school just moments from their home.”

Ms Kirkwood said the new primary school would complement St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School which opened in nearby Cranbourne East eight years ago and now has more than 700 enrolments.”

“We look forward to working with Father Denis O’Bryan in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish as we establish St Josephine Bakhita as the second Catholic Primary School in his Parish.”

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School will be the 44th school to be added to the network of primary and secondary schools owned and operated by the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd. (DOSCEL) in south east Victoria.

Sarah Bloom, Development Director – Victoria, Frasers Property Australia said access to quality education is essential for every community we create.

“St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School is just one of the many ways Five Farms will create a positive legacy for today’s children, as well as future generations,” says Ms Bloom.

St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School in Five Farms, Clyde North, is one of 34 school projects across Victoria to share in $70 million under round three of the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund

The school will receive $5 million in funding, which will cover the construction of an administration building, a teaching and learning centre comprising 10 general learning areas, and other associated spaces.

For parents, enrolments will begin in term 4, 2023 and first term is expected to commence in 2024. The school will accommodate 700 students at full enrolment. Upon completion in 2024, it will also include an art room, sporting oval and multi-use outdoor sports courts.

Five Farms is a master planned community in Clyde North. It is located approximately 45 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD and nine kilometres from the Monash Freeway. The new community complements Frasers Property’s existing Berwick Waters community in Melbourne’s key south-east growth corridor.

When complete, Five Farms will comprise approximately 1,600 homes. Residents will enjoy walkable access to schools, childcare, a local town centre, exclusive residents’ club, parklands, and nearby access to public transport including trains and buses.