A MILESTONE YEAR

Staff and students at Cathedral College

Wangaratta (CCW) are celebrating a special milestone in 2023 as the College celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The College community are marking the milestone with a range of special activities, including the inaugural Founders’ Day celebrations, an Alumni Reunion, a Community Historical Display, and a Winter Ball.

Founded in 2003 at The Close, on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the journey of the College has been one of significant growth, starting with 34 students in 2003, and growing to 1030 students in 2023.

The College commenced with 34 students from Prep to Year Seven. When the Diocese of Wangaratta opened the College, under the stewardship of Bishop David Farrer, the dream was realised to open an independent Anglican school that provided the families of Wangaratta and the northeast region with a high-quality, Prep to Year Twelve independent school, founded on Anglican values.

Principal Nick Jones said it was evident that during the early years at The Close, the small and close-knit community worked together to establish a kind, warm and welcoming school environment.

“The new College was an aspirational learning environment that encouraged students to pursue excellence, with truth and service the guiding motto. These values remain core to our College today.”

Mr Nick Jones, Principal

“During this time, new families put tremendous faith in our brand-new school, and parents, friends, families and many members of the local community worked together to establish the foundations of the College we enjoy today”.

In 2005, it became clear that the development of The Close for the entire College was not feasible, and a greenfield site, known then as ‘out the road’, was purchased as an additional campus. The site developed from humble beginnings, with a couple of portables and a farmhouse which in 2006 served as administration, reception art, instrumental lessons, sick bay, OHSC and the staffroom.

In 2008, the College had its first VCE graduates and more than 200 students enrolled. A review of the College in 2010 recommended a move to one campus to secure the College’s future. The following year , the College joined the Anglican Schools Commission.

Then-Chair of the College Council Mike Noble wrote: “The most important event to secure the future of our College occurred in April this year when the ASC acquired our