The first day of school was doubly exciting for students of St Angela of the Cross, with balloons in the school colours to celebrate the opening of the new school.

The first cohort at the school includes 21 Foundation year students, with the remainder of the 38 students ranging from Year 1 to Year 5.

Principal Justin Greenwood said that he and his team of 12 staff are looking forward to establishing relationships and routines.

“We are so pleased to be able to welcome and get to know our school community, and see St Angela’s come to life. We hope to follow in the footsteps of St Angela of the Cross, who was determined to share the Good News of Jesus by serving others.

“We have two home group classrooms, one for the Foundation year students, and another for the students in Years 1 to Year 5. The specialist subjects we offer include Japanese, physical education, visual arts and performing arts.

“Our beautiful new school looks out over the rapidly growing north-east side of Warragul, and we look forward to welcoming many more families as the area continues to develop,” he said.

Ms Maria Kirkwood, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, said that St Angela of the Cross is the first new Catholic school to be established under the auspices of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd.

“This is a landmark moment for Warragul, and for Catholic education in our region. Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd now owns and operates 38 primary schools across south-east Victoria, along with several secondary colleges.

“Our vision for St Angela of the Cross is to provide a faith-filled environment that will enable students to achieve their personal best. With high quality facilities and an excellent group of teachers ready for the first day of school, Mr Greenwood and his students are certainly off to a great start.

“I look forward to meeting the students, and partnering with their families to enable them to meet life’s challenges with faith and hope,” Ms Kirkwood said.

St Angela of the Cross Primary School is the first new school to be established in Warragul in almost 20 years. Located on the corner of Copelands Road and Mills Road, the school features a double storey building with modern learning spaces, plus outdoor play courts, a playground and large oval.

Enrolment enquiries can be made via the school website, www.stangelawarragul.catholic.edu.au, or by phone on 5622 9800.