In Clyde North, a new chapter in Catholic education has begun with the recent opening of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School. As the second primary school within the Parish of St Thomas the Apostle and the 39th operated by Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL), this school was built in response to the growing need for quality, faith-based education in an area experiencing rapid residential development.
Recognising this need, Catholic education leaders, in collaboration with parish and community stakeholders came together to create a school that would serve local families. The chosen location in the Five Farms residential estate was ideal due to its modern infrastructure, transport links, and potential for future expansion as the community grows.
The school is built on a clear vision ‘to provide a safe and inclusive environment where students can learn and grow both academically and spiritually’. The story of St Josephine Bakhita, the first contemporary female saint from Africa who overcame severe hardships to become a symbol of resilience and compassion, is an important part of the school’s identity. Her words, “The Lord had loved me so much: we must love everyone…we must be compassionate,” serve as a daily reminder of the values the school aims to instill.
“As a symbol of hope and opportunity, St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School embodies resilience and determination. It's a celebration of diversity, and a symbol of community. It represents a chance for all students to receive a high-quality education, unlocking doors to future opportunities and a brighter tomorrow. This is our calling, and my calling as an educator.”
Principal Kathryn Pepper
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
In total, CDF is provisioning $31.5 million in loans for Stages 1 and 2 of the project, covering the purchase of land and partial construction costs. The Victorian Government also provided grant support to the project.
"The financial support from CDF helped enable us to cover key expenses and move the project forward.”
Dicoese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd
The new school facility includes an administration building, a teaching and learning centre with eight general learning areas, collaborative spaces, outdoor learning zones, and a hardcourt. During the official opening ceremony, which coincided with the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita, community members, school staff, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the school’s launch. Principal Mrs. Kathryn Pepper shared her excitement, noting that the project was a true team effort, and expressed her gratitude for the support received throughout the planning and building process.
Nature's Symphony
Faces of Humanity
With an initial enrolment of 115 students, the school is already making a positive impact on the community, aiming to accommodate up to 700 students in the future. With Stage 1 now complete, Stage 2 of the school project set to start later this year, will add eight more learning areas, a STEM facility, an oval, additional playground space, an undercover hardcourt, and an extended car park.
The school, built to serve not just the academic needs of students, but also to provide a space where faith is lived and shared and will continue to provide accessible, faith-filled education that enables families and young people to flourish.

In its first few weeks since opening, Principal Kathryn Pepper shared: ‘Meeting the amazing families within our diverse community has been the most memorable experience to date. From initial meetings at St Thomas the Apostle Parish and School to then welcoming the families into our beautiful new school, it has been extremely heartwarming and something that I will cherish forever. A building, no matter how grand or well-designed, is just a physical structure. It's the inspiring people within those walls who bring it to life, create meaningful connections, and make lasting memories.’
To help CDF continue to meet strong loan demand from the Catholic community, you too can put your faith in action and save for a greater reward than money alone. Not only will you earn a competitive rate of interest, but your savings will assist schools like St Ignatius College, Geelong and other Catholic organisations to continue the work the Gospel calls on them to do.
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CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
