The first students of the Sunshine Coast’s newest school have visited the campus and inspected the Prep building that will come to life in January next year.
Notre Dame College foundation principal Dan McShea toured the college campus with future students Benny, Charlotte and Marcel, who will be part of the first student cohort at the co-educational school operated by Brisbane Catholic Education.
The students also unveiled the new uniforms that will be worn by students in classes from Prep to Year 3 and Year 7 next year in five new airconditioned buildings.
Notre Dame College, part of the Aura community at Bells Creek, has already filled 200 enrolment positions for 2025.
The college will continue to grow from 2026 towards its capacity of more than 1800 students from Prep to Year 12 across a 7.9-hectare plot that will offer students Catholic schooling in a modern campus.
“We have been very pleased with the demand for enrolment, which will ensure that we open in 2025 with excellent numbers across our year levels,” Mr McShea said.
“It’s exciting today to come here with some of the first students to walk through this new campus. Until now, we’ve been showing our families a 3D model of the school. They can now see the college will be ready to go.”
Mr McShea has appointed 12 staff who will begin work for the college between now and January.
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There are already four permanent staff who will be joined by another four next term.
“We’re thrilled with the talented education professionals who will form the foundation staff here at Notre Dame College,” Mr McShea said.
“They’re excellent teachers and administrators and will ensure that, while we’re a new school, we will have staff with plenty of experience creating and fostering a modern learning environment.”
Bec Ryan was at Notre Dame College with daughter Charlotte, 4, who will be part of the first Prep intake. Family friend Ben, 4, will also be part of the Prep class.
“It’s surreal to be in the Prep classrooms today and to see that it’s all happening,” Ms Ryan said.
“We’ve driven past the site a lot in recent months and we can see the construction but it’s something else to be in here. It’s exciting.
“We’ve had such a good vibe about the school. The staff have been very friendly and helpful.
“These first Preps will get the chance to go right through and to be the first class that graduates from Year 12 … so that’s a wonderful opportunity that not many people get.”
Brisbane Catholic Education executive director Dr Sally Towns said Notre Dame College would be supported by one of the largest networks of non-government schools in the nation.
“Each of our 146 schools has its own identity but the same commitment to providing the best learning experience in a faith-based environment,” Dr Towns said.
“Catholic education has been provided in South-East Queensland for almost 180 years, and the interest in new schools such as Notre Dame College shows that parents still want an educational experience founded on values and faith.”
Notre Dame College is part of the Caloundra Catholic Parish, which is overseen by Father Josh Whitehead.
“As a parish, a new school like Notre Dame College provides a new opportunity to connect with families and to accompany them in their journey of faith,” Fr Whitehead said.
“I’m genuinely excited to be working with such a dynamic team of leaders and teachers who will make this a college that provides its students and staff with wonderful opportunities.”
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