Families and carers of students attending four Melbourne Catholic primary schools will receive financial and wellbeing support to assist them with transitioning to neighbouring schools from 2024. Source: Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools executive director Edward Simons said all alternative options were explored before making the difficult decision that it was no longer sustainable to operate these schools beyond this year.
The schools are:
• St Bridget’s School, Greythorn
• St John’s School, Clifton Hill
• St Joseph’s School, Black Rock
• St Mary Magdalen’s School, Chadstone
Dr Simons acknowledged this was upsetting news for the school communities and said MACS remained committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all affected students, staff and their families.
“Over the past few months, we held several meetings with principals, parish priests and parent representatives as part of the consultation process to understand how we could best support these schools,” Dr Simons said.
“We looked closely at enrolment outlook and demographic trends, proximity of neighbouring schools, projected financial outlook, educational programs, site facilities and pastoral mission as well as the ability to continue to attract and maintain students and teachers in each of these communities, unique to their circumstances.
“After weighing up a range of factors, and careful consideration of significant community feedback, we have come to the difficult decision that it is not viable to continue operating these schools into the future.”
Dr Simons said MACS will support students, families and carers with individualised and tailored plans, to support their transition into a new school community. This extends to teachers and support staff with a number of pathways available.
“We will ensure everyone receives the support they need, including appropriate fee relief, uniform support and funding for students, as well as redeployment options for staff,” Dr Simons said.
FULL STORY
Catholic school families to receive support as part of transition plan (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools)
RELATED COVERAGE
Four Victorian Catholic primary schools set to close after term 4 (Herald Sun)
‘It’s not viable to continue’: Four Melbourne Catholic schools to close (The Age)
