There are exciting times ahead for families in Greenvale with a new Catholic primary school opening at the beginning of next year.
Construction has commenced on Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School, Greenvale, following the ground-breaking ceremony last Friday. Principal Renae Gentile was joined by guests including Member for Yuroke the Hon. Ros Spence, Parish Priest Fr Dishan Candappa, City of Hume Cr Joseph Haweil and Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ringo Terrick as the first soil was turned on the site that will become home to a brand new school. Representatives from local Catholic primary and secondary schools were also there to wish the project well.
Joining St Carlo Borromeo School, Greenvale, and School of the Good Shepherd, Gladstone Park, Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School will become the third Catholic primary school in the Good Shepherd Parish. Renae Gentile brings her previous experience as principal of School of the Good Shepherd to leading this brand new school.
‘In addition to working with the school’s builders and architects to create an inspiring, contemporary physical space, this year I will also be searching for engaging, passionate educators who are committed to fostering nurturing relationships with children, working in partnership with families and collaborating with colleagues to ensure that every child is understood, nurtured and supported’, she said.
Renae has a clear vision for the community of learners. ‘Relationships are at the heart of all that I do’, she said. ‘Knowing the story of a child, their family and their community helps to shape the way that we can work and learn together. Building strong, trusting and respectful relationships comes before anything else. Mary Queen of Heaven will be a welcoming learning community where dreams are lived and the impossible is made possible.’
Stage 1 of the school’s construction comprises nine learning areas, two specialist areas, administration facilities, a netball court and an adventure playground. ‘I feel privileged to have this opportunity’, said Renae, ‘and I know together we can do great things’.
Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School, Greenvale, opens in January 2023.
