A New Direction for Catholic Education in St Kilda East

Catholic Education Melbourne and Edmund Rice Education Australia

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), in partnership with Catholic Education Melbourne, the Archdiocese of Melbourne and St Mary’s Parish, East St Kilda, is pleased to announce that in January 2021 Christian Brothers College St Kilda (CBC) will embark on an exciting new educational journey.

Subject to approval from the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), this new educational experience will transform the existing sites occupied by CBC and Presentation College Windsor (PCW) to begin offering a new coeducational learning opportunity in the precinct of St Mary’s Parish, East St Kilda.

The new secondary school will give all parents and students the opportunity to build on the strong educational foundations offered by St Mary’s Primary School. The parish, EREA and Catholic Education Melbourne will continue to explore opportunities to ensure a smooth transition for students between the primary and secondary settings.

EREA Executive Director Dr Wayne Tinsey announced today that planning for a coeducational Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition is actively underway. ‘This is an exciting venture, full of possibility and hope, responding to the educational needs and aspirations of current and future students and their families.’

Acting Executive Director of Catholic Education Melbourne Jim Miles welcomed the partnership. ‘This project is an exciting new expansion of Catholic education in East St Kilda. Today’s announcement makes clear that the increasing number of parents choosing a quality Catholic education for their children can do so with confidence.’

Incoming Principal Terry Blizzard is looking forward to leading the community into this exciting future. ‘It is a unique opportunity to reimagine what we have, creating something new, built on the best of our existing culture and traditions. Students are at the centre of the learning communities at both CBC and PCW, and we don’t want to lose this’, he said.

A thorough process of consultation and planning has commenced to ensure that the very best learning, pastoral, spiritual and co-curricular opportunities are available to future students. An inclusive enrolment and strong focus on social justice will continue to characterise the school.

Consultation is taking place with key groups including students, staff and parents, as well as the Presentation Sisters, St Mary’s Primary School and parish, and the VRQA. Extensive research continues to be undertaken to ensure the best educational model for this context is adopted.

‘Our current families and students are important to us. We must be sensitive to them during this period of transition and want to bring them with us on this journey, engaging them and seeking their input’, said Mr Blizzard.

Christian Brothers College is writing a new and exciting chapter in its history and looks forward to beginning the journey in 2021.

/Public Release.