Fresh start: St Joseph’s College students Xavier Stewart, Zarlia Jenkins, Jayden Pham, Ellen Hennessy at the school’s new Kildare Campus.
Echuca’s St Joseph’s College celebrated the highly anticipated opening of its new learning facility, Kildare Campus, on Monday.
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Situated on 80 acres of greenfield land on Mt Terrick Rd in Echuca’s west, the state-of-the-art campus will accommodate Year 7 students for the remainder of this year, Year 7 and 8 students in 2024, and Year 7, 8 and 9 students from 2025.
St Joseph’s College principal Anne Marie Cairns said the campus opening signified a pivotal chapter in the college’s 137-year history, as it embarked on the future as a multi-campus school community.
“This landmark event represents a transformative milestone in our journey as a leading educational facility in the Echuca Moama region,” Ms Cairns said.
“Demand for enrolments has been increasing in recent years and this expansion enables us to broaden our educational offerings, and to be as inclusive as possible of those seeking Catholic education in our region.”
New era: Maddison Sicily, Makenzie Fayle, Jarrod O’Brien (Director- Kildare Campus), Anne Marie Cairns (Principal, St Joseph’s College) Diesel Bourke, Scout Mitchell.
In August 2019, St Joseph's College announced the purchase of land for the establishment of a second campus on Mt Terrick Rd.
The move was an important first step in the school’s long-term strategy to cater to a growing student demand and projected population growth.
The campus opening marked the completion of stage one works, which commenced in November 2021.
Included in this first stage is an administration building, library, learning building for Year 7 students, staff offices, outdoor courts, outdoor gym equipment, passive green spaces, car park and bus drop-off areas.
Stage two capital works will commence this month and will include a technology building, science classrooms, art spaces, canteen, sports oval, a new learning space and more learning enhancement provision.
Stage three works will commence in 2025 and include a sports stadium, performing arts facility and chapel.
The long-term project also includes a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the Brigidine Campus in Dickson St, which will commence in 2024.
Ms Cairns said the transition to a multi-campus college was much more than a physical expansion.
“It represents our dedication to providing a comprehensive and forward-thinking Catholic education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world,” she said.
“It also preserves our cherished traditions while embracing the possibilities of the future, and honours our school’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence and growth.”
Ms Cairns said the school’s 2023 Year 7 students made history on Monday as the pioneering cohort to walk the hallowed grounds of the new campus. She said their presence and contribution would be forever etched in the annals of St Joseph’s College.
“Our Year 7 students hold a special role as the founding leaders and connectors, bridging the legacy of our past with a bright and hope-filled future,” she said.
“Their presence at Kildare Campus symbolises the bond between tradition and innovation that will define the St Joseph’s College experience for generations to come.”
Ms Cairns expressed deep gratitude for the support and dedication of college staff, parents, and the wider community in making the vision of Kildare Campus a reality.
“As we progress through the next stages of building works together, we look forward to a future filled with academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong connections,” she said.
“One culture, one community, one college; multi campus.”
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