Sod turning marks next chapter for St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School

15 August 2025

Sod turning marks next chapter for St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School

Work has begun to extend the new St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School at Clyde North to meet growing demand for enrolments. 

To celebrate, a sod-turning ceremony was led by Fr Denis O’Bryan, Parish Priest. He was joined by Ms Pauline Richards – State Member for Cranbourne, Mr Michael Galea – State Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, along with the Hon Martin Dixon – Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) Board Director, Ms Kirrilly Bridger – DOSCEL Chief Financial Controller, Mr Dermot Cannon – DOSCEL General Manager Infrastructure and Support Services, Mrs Kathryn Pepper – Principal, members of the project team, staff, students and representatives of the school and parish community.

Principal, Mrs Kathryn Pepper said the school was excited to begin Stage 2A of the school’s masterplan development.

“The school opened its doors earlier this year and has experienced significant demand for enrolments. This project will create eight additional new general learning areas, art room, hard courts, oval and playground to support our growing school community.”

Ms Kirrilly Bridger, DOSCEL Chief Financial Controller, said St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School was situated in one of the fastest growth corridors in Melbourne’s outer south-east.

“The Stage 2A project will increase the school’s capacity to accommodate additional students providing modern, flexible, learning spaces to inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential.”

The Stage 2A building project is supported by a $4 million Capital Grant under the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program, and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF).

The Stage 2A project, led by Minx Architects and Bowden builders, is planned for completion in late 2026.

Ms Bridger said the school community could also look forward to Stage 2B commencing in Term 2 2026 which will create an additional four general learning areas and amenities.

Stage 2B is supported by a $2 million Capital Grant under the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund.

Ms Bridger said DOSCEL and St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School were extremely thankful for the Victorian Government’s support of the Stage 2 projects. 

These are exciting times for the St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary school community.

“These new school facilities represent Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching to serve the needs of families seeking a faith-filled learning environment for their child.”

Media Inquiries: DOSCEL Media and Communications team: 0417 534 232