Blessing of buildings at St Michael's Traralgon 

Blessing of Foundation Learning Area at St Michael’s Primary School Traralgon

May 2024

Staff and students at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Traralgon celebrated the blessing and official opening of its Foundation Learning Area that has created additional learning and collaborative spaces.

Parish Priest Fr Aju Varghese officially blessed the learning spaces. He was joined by the Hon. Harriet Shing MLC - Member for Eastern Victoria, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr John Swan - Board Director Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Ms Jodie Ware - Principal of St Michael’s Primary School, guests, students, staff, parents, friends of the school, parish, and wider community. The official party unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

The project at a cost of approximately $993,215 was supported by the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program via a grant of $150,000.

Principal, Ms Ware said the project involved construction of a new Foundation (Prep) building including three general learning areas, teacher resource area, student amenities and a new playground. The project has created wonderful light-filled spaces for students to thrive.”

Ms Ware said the official Blessing and opening ceremony for this project was delayed for several reasons including COVID, so it was wonderful to now come together as a school and parish community to formally celebrate these learning spaces and thank all those who supported the project.

Mr Paul Velten commended the efforts of the project team, school, and parish community.

“These facilities represent Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities.”

“By creating modern, engaging learning areas and updating the facilities for students and staff, our Catholic schools are promoting excellence in learning where students can grow and thrive in a faith-filled learning environment.”

Mr Velten thanked the Victorian Government for the support in bringing the project to fruition.

About St Michael’s Primary School

St Michael's is a school called to serve the families of St Michael's Parish, Traralgon. The school was established in 1902 by the Sisters of St Joseph and opened with 35 pupils. In 1958, the Brigidine community moved from Sale to Traralgon to take over the running of St Michael’s and establish a secondary school for girls on the same site. The secondary college remained on the site until 1962 when they opened a new college in Kosciuszko Street.

St Michael's Primary school is committed to providing a learning environment that nurtures personal achievement, in a safe, harmonious, and engaging environment. St Michael’s upholds the teachings of Jesus Christ and aims to provide students with values that enrich their lives. Students and families of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome at St Michael’s Primary School.

Photo from left: Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale,  Fr Aju Varghese,  Fr Peter Bickley (retired), the Hon. Harriet Shing MLC - Member for Eastern Victoria. 

Media Inquiries:

Media and Communications Adviser

Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited

0417 534 232