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September marked another great milestone in the short history of our college.

We proudly hosted the official blessing and opening of ‘Stage 2’ of our college growth – celebrating our recently completed Connection Centre, a senior learning centre for our Years 10-12 students, senior science laboratories and kitchen garden.

Over 250 students, staff, families, and guests came together for the event which included a Blessing Liturgy led by Bishop Karol Kulczycki, SDS Bishop of Port Pirie Diocese.

We also welcomed Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director of Catholic Education SA, Nichii Mardon, Director Catholic Education Port Pirie Diocese and John Neate, Chairperson South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.

The ceremony began with an acknowledgement of country and smoking ceremony conducted by Sam Mitchell, a local Aboriginal representative. This traditional practice was held to bless the new buildings and to foster a strong, united community.

After Bishop Karol blessed the new buildings, Principal Nathan Hayes and student leaders led our visitors on a college tour.

Nathan said the celebration marked another significant milestone for our college community.

“These additions consolidate our commitment to providing an excellent Catholic education for our students as they progress through their senior education years,” said Nathan.

Our fantastic new spaces were intentionally designed and built to support students in Years 10-12 as they continue their learning journey.

The new senior learning centre features classrooms, informal flexible learning spaces, student kitchens, a wellbeing area and senior study hub. Two additional senior science labs will support the curriculum requirements of SACE Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Located adjacent to the Food Tech kitchen, the kitchen garden area will enable our students to plant and grow their own vegetables, fruit and herbs to cook with during lessons.

Nathan added that the celebration was “an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the many people who have contributed to the vibrant Catholic school community we have become.”

“We thank all who have contributed to designing and building these facilities - Swanbury Penglase architects, Mossop Construction and Interiors, Catholic Education South Australia Planning and Development team, tradespeople and Renmark Paringa Council who have become valued partners within this community.”

Nichii Mardon, Diocesan Director Catholic Education, Diocese of Port Pirie said St Francis of Assisi College has already made an indelible mark through what takes place within our buildings.

“Everyone has a place here and everyone contributes to the unique, vibrant community that has established itself quickly as a cornerstone, providing access to high quality, secondary Catholic education across the Riverland,” said Nichii.

We opened in 2022 with Years 7 and 8 as the first ever Catholic secondary college for the Riverland, proudly building on Catholic education in the Riverland which has been in existence for more than a century.

At the time of opening, we became the Diocese of Port Pirie’s first new Catholic school in over 20 years - and its first new Catholic secondary school in 59 years.

The official opening for ‘Stage 1’ of our college was celebrated in March 2022 after a year-long build process. The first of three planned phases, Stage 1 included our specialist middle years learning centre, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and arts centre, design and technology workshop, our administration centre, and some covered and outdoor learning and play spaces.

Now currently in our third year of operation with students in Years 7-10, we will continue to grow into 2025 as we welcome our first cohort of Year 11 students into our brand-new facilities.

We now look forward to Stage 3 of our planned development which will include a single court stadium with some performing arts facilities, additional parking, and expansion to the oval.

There are exciting times ahead as we continue to grow our community for current and future generations at St Francis of Assisi College!