Brisbane Catholic Education Archives

Historic Wooloowin School Set for Modern Renovation in 2025

Photo Credit: Brisbane Catholic Education/Facebook

Holy Cross School, one of Wooloowin’s oldest educational institutions, will receive significant facility upgrades in 2025. This initiative is to support its growing student population and enhance learning environments.

Holy Cross School was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1890. This 135-year-old Catholic school will undergo renovations to modernise its facilities while maintaining its rich heritage.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Catholic Education/Facebook*

Enhanced Learning Spaces for Young Students

The renovation will include a new facade, updated Prep spaces, and play areas. The new Prep classrooms will feature state-of-the-art design and technology. It will offer flexible and engaging environments tailored to foster creativity and collaboration among the youngest learners.

Holy Cross School Principal Simon Mahaffy highlighted that the upgrades would improve aesthetics. It will also provide students, staff, and families with a more welcoming and stimulating environment. He emphasised that these modern facilities will support the growing number of families choosing the school amid increasing local housing developments.

Preserving Community Heritage

The planned renovations will also respect the school’s historical elements. Community members expressed concerns over maintaining significant features such as the brick pavers engraved with past students’ names and the Lone Pine tree from the War Memorial.

Wooloowin school upgrade — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Catholic Education/Facebook*

School representatives have reassured the community that these elements will remain part of the upgraded landscape. The brick pavers will be relocated to the new prayer space, and the Lone Pine will be preserved with a new sandstone plinth and commemorative plaque.

Community Reaction and Future Plans

Residents have largely welcomed the upgrades. They expressed gratitude for preserving the school’s heritage while enhancing modern facilities. Many alumni are noting how the school has evolved over the years.

Principal Mahaffy also acknowledged Brisbane Catholic Education’s support in funding the project. The project is set to commence during the Easter school holidays. Completion is expected by the end of 2025. The upgraded facilities will cement Holy Cross School’s reputation as a thriving and welcoming community hub in Wooloowin.

Published 1-Apr-2025. Updated 12-Oct-2025

Holy Cross School Marks 135 Years in Wooloowin

Holy Cross School in Wooloowin is celebrating its 135th anniversary in 2025, alongside major school upgrades and a community event to mark the milestone.

A Legacy in Wooloowin

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, located in Brisbane’s inner-north suburb of Wooloowin, is marking 135 years of Catholic education in 2025. The school was founded in July 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy and initially operated from a church building, with pews repurposed as desks.

In its early years, the school was known for its simplicity and discipline, reflecting the educational standards of the time. A convent was later established at the corner of Chalk and Morris Streets, where Sisters undertook various ministries. In 1958, the school relocated to its current site on Morris Street, with the Sisters continuing their administration until 1975.

Upcoming Celebration in July

On Saturday, 26 July 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Holy Cross School will host a public celebration to mark its 135th anniversary. The event welcomes past, current, and prospective families.

Activities will include school tours, food stalls, face painting, live performances, a science show, and a variety of games. A historic display will showcase the school’s evolution, and guests will have the opportunity to post their own memories and stories.

The event will also highlight upcoming building projects. Fundraising opportunities will include a “Buy a Brick” initiative and a building fund donation campaign to support the planned upgrades.

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Major Upgrades Underway

To coincide with the milestone, Holy Cross School is undergoing significant facility improvements. The redevelopment will include a new façade, a refurbished Prep precinct, enhanced play spaces, and upgraded general learning areas.

The construction is scheduled to begin during the Easter school holidays and finish by the end of 2025. These works aim to provide flexible, engaging learning environments, particularly for younger students.

The upgrades are also designed to meet rising demand, as nearby housing developments contribute to projected enrolment growth from 2026.

Brisbane school upgrades — Photo Credit: Supplied

Community Support and Future Growth

One family has maintained a 90-year connection to the school, with multiple generations attending. Families are drawn to Holy Cross for its inclusive environment and long-standing values of care and respect.

The school’s plans reflect a continued commitment to Catholic education, social responsibility, and adapting facilities for future learners, while remaining rooted in its historical mission.

Looking Ahead

Holy Cross School is preparing for growth in the coming years, supported by its central location, strong community ties, and investment in modern facilities. Upcoming changes aim to preserve the school’s legacy while supporting the needs of a new generation of students.

Published 22-July-2025

Growing Enrolments Signal Success at St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield

St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield has been identified as one of the schools experiencing major growth in enrolment, according to Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE).

Read: Catholic Primary Schools Navigate Increasing Enrolment Pressure as High Schools Expand to Lower Years

At the heart of this success is a strong community-focused approach that prioritises family engagement and early education partnerships. Principal Anne-Marie Maw emphasises the crucial role that current school families play in their growth story.

“Our parents’ support plays a vital role in attracting new families looking for a caring, supportive, and welcoming educational environment for their children,” she said, highlighting the school’s reputation for nurturing excellence.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School, Clayfield/Facebook

The school has developed strategic partnerships to ensure student success from the very beginning. “Our partnerships with local kindergartens further enhance this appeal for prospective parents,” Ms Maw explained.

“These collaborations create a seamless transition for children moving from early childhood education to primary school, allowing them to feel familiar and supported in their new environment.”

This commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience resonates deeply with the school’s leadership. “It’s a great responsibility and an absolute privilege to have a family choose our school for their child,” Ms Maw noted.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School/Google Maps

The growth at St Agatha’s reflects broader developments across BCE’s network of schools in South-East Queensland. BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns emphasises the organisation’s responsive approach to community needs.

“BCE proactively responds and adapts to the needs and demands of our communities across our 146 schools across South-East Queensland,” Dr Towns said. “While BCE has responded to growth in large greenfield areas like Yarrabilba, Aura, and Coomera, our focus will also remain on improving facilities at our existing schools, meeting the needs of our growing region.”

This commitment extends to BCE’s broader mission of educational excellence. “BCE is dedicated to fostering thriving, faith-filled learning communities that align with the needs of our expanding communities, creating a better future for all,” Dr Towns added.

Read: Young Clayfield Artist Honours Nano Nagle’s Legacy in National Contest

Looking ahead, BCE’s strategic growth continues, with plans to expand Prep intake across 16 schools in 2025, responding to demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region. St Agatha’s success story demonstrates how strong community engagement and strategic planning can create an educational environment that meets the evolving needs of Brisbane families.

Published 5-November-2024