Holy Cross College open for business in 2010.
Perth’s newest Catholic high school is taking enrolments as building proceeds on schedule.
The classrooms and specialist facilities of Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook, are taking shape in a multi-stage process that began in October 2008.
Stage one, which will be complete when the school opens for its first intake of year 7 and 8 students next year, encompasses a third of the school’s eventual buildings.
These will include general learning areas, ‘Information Centre’ (library); food tech, science, art and design labs; and a cafeteria with dining facilities that, according to the school’s website will bring ‘a more adult approach’ to student life.
The school was named by Archbishop Barry Hickey in 2008, providing a link between the school and the Parish of St Helena who’s namesake had a strong devotion to the Cross.
In addition to opening student enrolments, the college will invite applications from educators at the start of term three this year to join foundation staff headed by foundation Principal Mandy Connor.
The school, which will have wireless internet access across-campus, is promising learning reflecting the latest thinking in education and will eventually cater for six-streams of students from year 7 to year 12. Jeff Thorne, business manager and chair of the school’s board, says that a focus on science and technology has been and will continue to be integral to every aspect of the school’s design and operation, providing a more interactive and experiential learning experience than in schools past.
He is excited about the Da Vinci Program, the college’s academic extension program that will start at its principal feeder school St Helena’s Catholic Primary School next term.
The program will provide extra intellectual stimulus for children who exhibit a giftedness in science and technology.
Mr Thorne says that it has been a long building process since architectural plans were finalised in April 2007 and even longer since the land was purchased by the archdiocese ten years ago but that construction is proceeding on time and according to blueprint.
He says that annual fees per student will be in the vicinity of $2800 but this is subject to review.
Enrolments are open to all Catholic and non-Catholic students.
While the school has a formal partnership with the local St Helena Catholic Primary School it also expects to welcome students from St Brigid’s in Middle Swan, Good Shepherd in Lockridge and Mary MacKillop in Ballajura as well as from local state schools.
More information about Holy Cross College can be found at www.holycross.wa.edu.au or by calling 9297 7504 or 9297 7500.