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Photo above: The school and parish community came together with the Bishop of Sale, Most Rev. Greg Bennet and special guests to mark the Blessing and opening of the new St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School.
Media Release
Monday 10th February 2025
Staff and students at the new St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School in Clyde North have joyfully celebrated the official Blessing and opening of their new school.
Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet officially Blessed the Stage One buildings. He was joined by Ms Pauline Richard’s MP - State Member for Cranbourne, Very Rev. Denis O’Bryan EV - Parish Priest of St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, and Mrs Kathryn Pepper - Principal who cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Special guests included Mr Lee Tarlamis MP, State Member for Southeastern Metropolitan, Mr James Merlino - Chair of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), Professor Elizabeth Labone Chief Executive Officer VCEA; Mr Brendan Hoy - General Manager Catholic Development Fund (CDF), Mr Aaron Gupta and Ms Tamara Fernando, Relationship Managers (CDF); Board Directors of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) including Chair, Mr Garry McLean, Deputy Chair Ms Cathy Jenkins, Emeritus Prof Gabrielle McMullen, Hon, Martin Dixon, Mr John Swan and Mr Dominic Thomas; DOSCEL Secretariat Senior Staff along with members of the project team, staff, students, school, and parish community.
The Stage One development features an administration building, offices, a teaching and learning centre that includes eight general learning areas and collaborative spaces, as well as outdoor learning areas, a hardcourt, playground, parking and landscaping.
Principal Mrs Kathryn Pepper said the school’s first week had been tremendously exciting for staff, students, and new families.
“We have welcomed 112 students including 65 Foundation Year (Prep) students. The week marks a double celebration, as the Blessing and opening event coincides with our celebration of the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita which falls on 8 February.”
The school is named in honour of St Josephine Bakhita, the first contemporary female saint from Africa, who serves as the patron saint for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
A noteworthy element of the new school’s construction involved rigorously selecting supply chains and sourcing building materials that comply with anti-modern slavery practices. One example of this is the school’s solar panel system obtained from Australia’s only manufacturer of solar panels who are dedicated to these principles. The control system also provides an opportunity for students to learn about energy consumption and conservation.
Mr Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education, said that the project set a standard for all future Catholic school developments within DOSCEL schools to integrate anti-modern slavery practices.
He said it was wonderful to see the new school open and to meet staff and students.
“The vision for St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School is to create a faith-filled environment where students can achieve their personal best. With high-quality facilities and an excellent team of educators ready for first term, students are certainly off to a great start.”
“The new St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School is the 39th Catholic primary school established by Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited and the second in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish.”
Mr Velten said the new school underlines Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s commitment to providing accessible Catholic education to families in the rapidly growing Clyde North area.
The Stage 1 building of the St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School project at a total cost of $11 million was supported by a $5 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund and a $6 million loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). The project architect was Minx Architecture and Builder, Melbcon Pty Ltd.
A further Victorian Government grant of $6 million (announced in July 2024) will support the construction of Stage 2 of the school which will add a further eight general learning areas, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) facility, an oval, more playground space, undercover hard court, and an extended car park. Construction on Stage 2 is anticipated to commence mid-2025.
The school is situated in the Five Farms residential estate at 40 Wild Goose Way Clyde North. For more information on St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School go to:
Bishop Greg Bennet led a mass to Bless the new school.
Unveiling the plaque: From left Mr Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Very Rev. Fr Denis O’Bryan - Parish Priest, Ms Pauline Richards MP – State Member for Cranbourne, Most Rev. Greg Bennet - Catholic Bishop of Sale, Mrs Kathryn Pepper – Principal. Front: Students - Bimalesh and Mannat.
Photo back row from left: Mr Brendan Hoy - General Manager Catholic Development Fund (CDF), Mr Aaron Gupta - CDF, Most Rev. Greg Bennet - Bishop of Sale, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale.
2nd row: Ms Tamara Fernando - CDF, Very Rev. Fr Denis O’Brien - Parish Priest, Mr James Merlino- Board Chair VCEA, Mrs Kathryn Pepper - Principal, Mr Garry McLean- Board Chair DOSCEL, Mrs Elizabeth Labone - CEO VCEA.
Front row: students Angelyn, Christian, Dania and Bimalesh.
Bishop Greg Bennet sprinkles Holy water to the delight of students.
From left: Students Angelina, Ryan, Romeo and Neoh look at messages on the Welcome Wall with Mrs Kathryn Pepper - Principal.
Photo above: Bishop Greg Bennet sprinkles holy water to Bless the learning spaces.
Bishop Greg Bennet talks to students about their new school.
Photo above: Students Zali and Kairav hold the plaque
Photo above: Main entrance of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School
Photo above: Front reception
Photo above: Front reception
Photo above: One of the learning areas.
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