EARTHWORKS at Renmark’s new Catholic high school site were put on hold last week for a special blessing by the Diocese of Port Pirie’s newly appointed bishop.
St Francis of Assisi College’s site – located on Twentyfirst Street – was officially blessed by Bishop Karol Kulczycki and welcomed into the community last Thursday.
Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie director Nichii Mardon, the school’s inaugural principal Nathan Hayes, Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson, Aboriginal elder Howard ‘Barney’ Lindsay and local priests, students and family representatives attended the blessing, which was one of the first milestones for the new school.
Ms Mardon, who arrived in the Riverland last Monday and visited all four local Catholic schools during her week-long visit, said she looks forward to construction beginning in coming weeks.
“The site blessing was among numerous key milestones to be achieved for St Francis of Assisi College last week, along with a community information night and the development approval for stage one received from Renmark Paringa Council,” she said.
“More than 130 people attended our community information sessions last week in Renmark and Berri to learn more about the school and there was a lot of interest.
“Construction will begin in three stages, with stage one including a middle years learning centre, STEM and arts centre, a design and technology workshop, administration centre and a covered outdoor learning, play and landscaped spaces.
“It’s hard to look at the site now and think that in eight months there will be a school here, but there will be and it’ll be fantastic.”
The college announced its college fees, unveiled its new uniform and discussed transport strategies, which are yet to be decided, last week.
The annual fee for years 7 to 9 has been set at $4590, which covers all school-organised curriculum and co-curriculum activities such as excusions, camps and a personal laptop for each student.
A 50 per cent discounted fee will be available for low-income families as well as sibling discounts available for multi-child families.
Mr Hayes said a family’s financial circumstances would not be a barrier to enrolment at the college.
“Families experiencing hardship are encouraged to meet with me to discuss a tuition fee arrangement to cater for your individual circumstances,” he said.
Ms Mardon supported the approach as it is in line with Catholic Education South Australia’s policy of access for all.
“St Francis of Assisi College’s comprehensive fee strategy reflects our commitment to provide a reception to year 12 pathway for Catholic education in the Riverland,” Ms Mardon said.
“Our aim is to provide families with access to affordable education of the highest quality to enable students to be thriving people, capable learners and leaders for the world God desires.”
Enrolments for year 7 and 8 in 2022 are now open.
Fill out an expression of interest form at cesa.catholic.edu.au/assisi to arrange a time and meet with principal Nathan Hayes.