The Catholic Education Office of Western Australia (CEO) plans to open at least five new primary and secondary schools in Perth over the next three years.
All five schools will begin operation with classes from Kindergarten to Year 2, before gradually introducing classes in other year levels.
Catholic primary schools in Baldivis and Hocking will commence in 2014, while Holy Cross College in Ellenbrook will also open its primary campus next year.
Forrestdale Catholic College will open in 2015, and Byford Catholic College will begin classes in 2016.
The CEO also plans to open Bunbury Catholic College in 2015, with students in Years 7, 8 and 9 initially starting at the school.
Each of the proposed schools is currently accepting expressions of interest. With the five new additions, the number of Catholic schools in the Perth Archdiocese will rise to 113.
Chief strategy and governance office for the CEO in WA Jeff Thorne said the schools would help to cater for Perth’s rapidly growing population.
“The decision to build a new school is never taken lightly and links directly to projected population growth,” he said.
“It is always based upon detailed demographic research and systemic planning to ensure that we continue to provide quality Catholic schooling for our ever-growing community.”
Meanwhile, Hammond Park Catholic Primary has moved into its brand new school after spending its first few months in the Mater Christi Community Centre.
The school moved into its premises on Woodrow Avenue late last month and principal Chris Cully said he was excited to have the school completed and operational.
“We had a brief, 13-week wait but from all accounts the wait was well worth it,” he said.
“The look on the children’s faces as they entered their new school was like Christmas morning with one gift being opened after another.”
Opening this year with 17 Kindergarten students, the school already has 43 students enrolled for classes next year, and Mr Cully said he was pleased with the school’s progress.
“It has been quite noticeable since being on site just how the interest in our school has grown,” he said.