St Angela of the Cross celebrates official school opening

The Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Gregory Bennet, visited St Angela of the Cross Primary School in Warragul today to bless and formally open the school’s facilities.

The Bishop was joined by the Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Ms Maria Kirkwood and Parish Priest, Very Rev Peter Slater, to celebrate the blessing and opening of the school. Member for Monash, Mr Russell Broadbent MP, also shared a video message with the school community to commemorate the day.

Stage one construction included a two-storey building with six classrooms and an administration centre, as well as outdoor landscaping, play areas and a spacious oval.

The Principal of St Angela of the Cross, Mr Justin Greenwood, said it was great to welcome officials from the Diocese of Sale and the local community at the school for the ceremony.

“We are very proud to bless and officially open our magnificent modern school buildings. Our foundation year has continued to see us grow in numbers and provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students, staff and members of our school community”.

“Teaching and learning at St Angela of the Cross Primary School, provide a dynamic and supportive environment where students are encouraged to be faith-filled, independent, and co-operative life-long learners,” Mr Greenwood said.

Ms Maria Kirkwood said the construction of St Angela’s was a landmark moment for Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale. The school was the first new facility constructed under the auspices of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd, which now owns and operates 38 primary schools and several secondary colleges across south-east Victoria. It is also the first new school to be established in Warragul in almost 20 years.

“Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale is flourishing, with St Angela’s catering to the rapidly growing north-east side of Warragul. By providing modern, engaging learning areas and state-of-the-art facilities, St Angela’s is providing students with an opportunity to learn and grow in the love of God,” she said.

The construction of St Angela of the Cross was jointly funded by the Australian Government under the Capital Grants Program and the school community.

Stage two works are expected to commence in mid-2022 and will include eight extra learning areas, extra amenities and outdoor learning spaces.