News

Media release 

12 June 2024

New Principal appointed to lead new Catholic Primary School at Clyde North

The foundation principal to lead a new Catholic primary school currently under construction in the new Five Farms estate at Clyde North has been announced.

Mrs Kathryn Pepper, who is currently principal of Trinity Catholic Primary School Narre Warren South, will lead the new St Josephine Bakhita Primary School planned to open in first term 2025.

Kathryn will assume the principalship in July for the commencement of Term 3, 2024, in preparation of the school’s planned opening in Term 1, 2025.
Kathryn has spent twenty-six years in education, with the past twenty years at Trinity Catholic Primary School. She has expanded her leadership during this time as Learning Adjustment Leader, Religious Education Leader, Deputy Principal, and the last five years as Principal.
"I'm looking forward to building a safe, inclusive, Catholic school community, with a strong learning agenda, inspired by the charism of Saint Josephine Bakhita,“ Mrs Pepper said.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale Mr Paul Velten congratulated Mrs Pepper on her appointment.

"Kathryn is an outstanding school principal. Her commitment to enlivening faith education and enhancing learning opportunities for all students through expert teaching practices will create an excellent foundation for the school. She is a dedicated leader committed to the wellbeing of students and staff, building a safe, engaging, and inclusive school community.”

As Foundation Principal, Kathryn will support the work of establishing and opening the new school and building relationships with future school and parish families.
Student enrolment enquiries have opened and a formal enrolment process will occur later this year. Recruitment for staff will also commence soon.

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School is the second Catholic primary school located in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish and will provide access to families seeking a catholic education in the fast-growing eastern part of the parish.

The long term enrolment projection for St Josephine Bakhita Primary School is 700 students, with an initial planned enrolment for 2025 of approximately 120 students.

The school is currently under construction at 40 Wild Goose Way Clyde North with a proposed opening of Term 1, 2025.

Enquiries for student places can be made by visiting the St Josephine Bakhita Primary School website: https://www.sjbclydenorth.catholic.edu.au 

Photo: Mrs Kathryn Pepper has been appointed Foundation Principal to lead the new St Josephine Bakhita Primary School planned to open in Clyde North in January 2025.

25 September 2023  

Turning of sod marks start of construction of new Catholic primary school at Clyde North 

In an exciting development for the expanding communities of Clyde North in Melbourne’s south-east corridor, a turning of the sod was held to mark the beginning of construction of a new Catholic Primary School in the new estate of Five Farms. 

Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet said the turning of the sod symbolised the beginnings of a new Catholic school which will connect and shape the lives of generations of children to come in this new community.  

“As a Church we are excited to grow with communities to meet their needs for faith-filled education that enables families and young people to flourish.” 

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, said extensive planning had been taking place to progress the construction of the new school.  

“We are thrilled that construction is now commencing. Melbourne’s south-eastern growth corridor is rapidly expanding with thousands of people moving into the area each year. Many new residents are families seeking a quality Catholic education for their children. The construction of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School at Clyde North aims to fulfil this need, providing families with access to a faith-based, modern and affordable primary school, close to their home.” 

Mr Velten said the new school would complement St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School which opened in nearby Cranbourne East nine years ago and now has more than 720 enrolments.

“We look forward to working with Very Reverend Denis O’Bryan in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish, as we establish St Josephine Bakhita as the second Catholic Primary School in his Parish,” Mr Velten said. 

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School will be the 44th school to be added to the network of primary and secondary schools owned and operated by the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd. (DOSCEL) in south-east Victoria. 

The St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School project is supported by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.

About the new community of Five Farms 

Five Farms is a master planned community in Clyde North being developed by Frasers Property Australia. When complete, Five Farms will comprise approximately 1,600 homes. It will comprise schools, childcare facilities, a local town centre, residents’ club, parklands, and access to public transport including trains and buses.  

Ms Sarah Bloom, General Manager, Development, Victoria for Frasers Property Australia, said the school was destined to be an important focal point for the Five Farms community. 

“It is a vital component in a long list of amenities we are delivering at Five Farms, from an all-abilities park, to an exclusive residents’ club, to a town centre. The development of the school means Five Farm residents will have everything they need, right in their neighbourhood,” she said. 

PHOTO BELOW: From left to right: Ms Jess Downey Assistant Development Manager for Fraser’s Property Australia, Ms Sarah Bloom General Manager Development for Frasers Property Australia, Father Denis O'Bryan - Parish Priest of St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Most Reverend Greg Bennet - Catholic Bishop of Sale,  Mr Patrick Ross member of the Parish Finance Council, Sister Julie Ogbole (SON), Mr Dermot Cannon - DOSCEL General Manager Infrastructure and Support Services, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale (DOSCEL)