The four local Catholic primary school principals look forward to the new high school opening. Pictured are (from left) Lee Abela, of St Joseph’s School Barmera, Nanda de Winter, current acting principal of Berri’s Our Lady of the River School, Brett Czechowski, of St Alberts School Loxton, and Don DePalma, of St Joseph’s School Renmark. PHOTO: Peta-Marie Philippou
RENMARK will be home to the Riverland’s first Catholic high school – a $19.5 million development – after feedback from a survey in 2019 confirmed a strong desire for the project.
Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) made the announcement last week, after the development was approved by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.
The new school, which will cater for up to 360 students from years 7 to 12, will build on the quality Catholic education and pastoral care already provided in the four local Catholic primary schools St Joseph’s School Barmera, Berri’s Our Lady of the River School, St Albert’s School Loxton and St Joseph’s School Renmark.
It will open with years 7 and 8 in 2022 and will offer a new year level annually until it expands to year 12 by 2026.
Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie director Nichii Mardon said she knew the decision would be welcomed by many local families.
“This expansion follows a thorough consultation process with the regional community that confirmed the desire for a Catholic high school,” she said.
“Together with the existing Catholic primary schools in the region, we are building an even stronger focus on student learning and quality teaching for all students across the Riverland region.
“A range of possible town locations were considered within the Riverland region, with Renmark deemed the most suitable.
“We expect to be able to announce the site for the school soon.”
The announcement follows last year’s milestone of 100 years of Catholic education in the region and has been welcomed by Renmark Paringa Council Mayor Neil Martinson.
“The establishment of a Catholic secondary school in the region has been discussed by local families for many years, if not decades,” he said.
“To hear that the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools has approved the development is pleasing news.”
All four local Catholic primary school principals said they look forward to the new development and seeing their students and other locals continue their schooling through a Catholic pathway.
