About Us

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School 

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School is a Catholic school being built in the new Five Farms estate in Clyde North. The school is named after St Josephine Bakhita who is the first contemporary female African Saint. She is the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. The school, as part of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish, Clyde North, will provide access to Catholic education to families situated in the eastern area of the Parish. St Josephine Bakhita Primary School will be the thirty-ninth Catholic primary school in the Diocese of Sale and the second primary school in the Parish of St Thomas the Apostle. The school will open in January 2025. The long term enrolment projection for St Josephine’s is 700 students, with an initial enrolment for 2025 of approximately 120 students. The school is currently under construction and located on Wild Goose Way in Clyde North.  Stage 1 building works have started. Stage 1 will see the construction of the school administration area, student and staff amenities, eight learning areas, a multi -purpose area, junior playground and initial car parking spaces.

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School Logo

When Josephine came to the Canossian Sisters she was given a silver crucifix. When she looked at the suffering body of Jesus on the Cross, she asked what he did to be treated that way. Josephine initially viewed the crucifix as a symbol of punishment but when she understood its meaning she saw it as an act of love. Through this she discovered the love of God. This was a transformative moment for her. This was her encounter.The school logo has been designed to reflect this encounter and the values that embody St Josephine and capture her cultural heritage. The colours represent the Canossin Daughters of Charity and reflect the African flag. Like Thomas the Apostle, Josephine looks toward the light of Christ signifying the encounter both Thomas and Josephine experienced.

Next Steps

The St Josephine Bakhita Working Party has been established to support the successful opening of the school in January 2025. The Working Party consists of members of Catholic education and the Diocese of Sale including Fr Denis O’Bryan. The Working Party provides advice and support in relation to the establishment and registration of St Josephine Bakhita Primary School including: supporting the establishment of the Catholic identity of the school, funding, building works, principal appointment, advertising, communication and enrolments.  

A principal has been appointed, Mrs Karthryn Pepper. The principal will support the work of establishing and opening the school and building relationships with future school and parish families. Enrolment enquiries have opened and a formal enrolment process will occur later this year. 

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the school is situated, and pays respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.