MACKILLOP Catholic College is celebrating the completion of the second stage of its development at Mount Peter, having tripled its enrolment since opening in 2016.
College principal Luke Reed said the people of Queensland through the State Government had provided extensive funds for the first stages of the college.
“We thank our fellow Queenslanders for their partnership and confidence in the work we are undertaking in the education and formation of our young people,” he said.
State Member for Musgrave Curtis Pitt represented Education Minister Grace Grace at the opening of the newest upgrades, with the State Government investment in the school’s construction topping $9.3 million to date.
“Stage Two included the construction of eight learning spaces, a multi-purpose area, a brand new library, uniform store, IT space and covered lunch area as well as temporary administration and learning support buildings and upgrades to the car park and set-down area,” Mr Pitt said.
The school has about 280 students and hired an additional five teachers this year to be able to accept more students in Years 3, 4 and 5.
“Over the past five years, the State Government has invested $9.3 million to see this school come to life,” he said.
“In just over two years since opening, enrolments have tripled and it’s also encouraging to see more dedicated teachers on board to ensure our students are getting the best start to their schooling.
“The support from the community for this new school has been overwhelming and it is fantastic to be able to assist in providing more options for schooling to parents and families.
“In the southern growth corridor of Cairns, we are expecting to see more people choosing to make this area home and the State Government is thrilled to see our investment helping schools like this one meet the demand for quality education.”
Cairns Catholic Education executive director Bill Dixon said the diocese had applied for funding of the third stage of construction which would see the college begin secondary schooling with Year 7 in 2020.
“We hope to have Government approval for this later this year with construction to commence later in 2018,” Mr Dixon said.
