Prendiville Catholic College celebrates 40 years of Catholic education

05 Jun 2026

By The Record

The Prendiville Catholic College community in Ocean Reef is celebrating 40 years of Catholic education in 2026.

It was on 13 April 1986 that Archbishop Emeritus William Foley blessed the college’s foundation buildings that had welcomed the first cohort of 85 Year 8 students when the school year started in February. William Woodruff was Principal at the time, and there were 14 staff employed.

Archbishop Costelloe was joined by concelebrants Fr Leonard Macionczyk SDS, Fr Greg Skulski SDS and Fr ????? Photo: Ravdip Rihal/Prendiville Catholic College.
Archbishop Costelloe was joined by concelebrants Fr Leonard Macionczyk SDS, Fr Greg Skulski SDS and Fr Cyprian Shikokoti. Photo: Ravdip Rihal/Prendiville Catholic College.

Forty years later, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB celebrated the Prendiville Day 40-Year Anniversary Mass for 1104 students across Years 7 to 12 under the principalship of Simon Kanakis and more than 150 staff.

Linking the narrative of the Good Shepherd to the College motto, Archbishop Costelloe explained the symbolism of the bishop’s ring, crosier and pectoral cross that represent lifelong fidelity to the Church and to the guidance, protection and care of ‘the flock’.

The special liturgy marked a significant milestone in the life of the College and provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on its journey and those who helped shape it.

Among those present were former principals, Rob Daniels, John Aldous and Mark Antulov, as well as principals from neighbouring schools.

Following the Mass, students enjoyed a series of house activities, a lively market stall and the Prendiville Live event which had everyone singing along.

Prendiville Catholic College is named after Redmond Garrett Prendiville, the fifth bishop and second Archbishop of the Perth Archdiocese.  

(L-R): Mark Marando, Chris Dunning, Archbishop Costelloe, Peter Hawke and Peter Cutrona. Photo: Ravdip Rihal/Prendiville Catholic College.
(L-R): Suzan Crompton, Fiona Leck, Archbishop Costelloe, Peter Hawke and Cameron Halvorson. Photo: Ravdip Rihal/Prendiville Catholic College.

The sprawling 10‑hectare campus offers outstanding facilities including a state‑of‑the‑art Performing Arts Centre, large gymnasium, modern library, dedicated chapel and a range of flexible, contemporary learning spaces. These facilities enhance the educational experience and support a broad range of curricular and co‑curricular opportunities that are available to the students.

The College is grounded in its motto Christus Pastor Meus – Christ My Shepherd, which fosters a community where every student feels safe, happy, included and respected – often referred to as The Prendiville Way.