New catholic school set to open its doors in Aura in 2025
Excitement is building in the vibrant Aura community as Notre Dame College prepares to join the educational landscape in 2025. Located within Aura, this new Prep to Year 12 Catholic College will be a co-educational school, catering to over 1,800 students and employing 280 staff, once complete.
Artist's impression. Subject to change.
The College will join Brisbane Catholic Education’s network of 146 schools located across south east Queensland, providing high-quality Catholic education for families in the Aura locality.
The new Catholic college adds to Aura’s existing education and learning facilities, including Goodstart Early Learning Centre, Nirimba State Primary School, Baringa State Primary School and Baringa State Secondary College, offering local students the opportunities and resources needed to excel in their academic pursuits.
Stockland Aura Project Director, Josh Sondergeld said the new school will give Aura residents access to another quality educational facility in the community.
“Notre Dame College will help to meet the growing education needs of our thriving community and will provide a great option for families moving to Aura who are seeking a Catholic education for their children,” Mr Sondergeld said.
“When completed, Aura will have up to 20 proposed education and learning centres within a 20 kilometre radius of the community, including private and public schools, early learning centres, and tertiary education.”
Construction of Stage 1 of the school has commenced and will continue throughout 2024. The 7.9-hectare site will include five buildings comprising of general learning areas and an administration block, a sports court, and car park.
In its first year of operation in 2025, the school will have the capacity to welcome a cohort of up to 200 students across prep, Year 1 to Year 3, and Year 7 classes.
Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director, Dr. Sally Towns announced Dan McShea, former Unity College Principal, as Foundation Principal of the college.
“Notre Dame College is our newest flagship Sunshine Coast school in the heart of the growing Aura community,” Dr. Towns said.
“Dan McShea is an experienced educator with deep roots in the community. The school, its community, its construction, and formation are in good hands in his leadership.”
The college opening will help cater to the demand for Catholic schools alongside the neighbouring Brisbane Catholic Education school, Unity College, located in Caloundra West.
Notre Dame College is located on Aura Boulevard in Bells Creek and further information on enrolments for its foundation year in 2025 can be found on the college website here.