Bendigo School Open Days (2025)

Choose Quality & Affordability BENDIGO & DISTRICT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Contents 3

Welcome letter

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Bendigo - St Kilian’s Primary School

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Bendigo North - St Peter’s Primary School

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Eaglehawk - St Liborius Primary School

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Elmore - Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School

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Heathcote - Holy Rosary Primary School

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Inglewood - St Mary’s Primary School

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Kangaroo Flat - St Monica’s Primary School

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Kennington - St Therese’s Primary School

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Quarry Hill - St Joseph’s Primary School

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Strathfieldsaye - St Francis of the Fields Primary School

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White Hills - Holy Rosary Primary School

Welcome Dear families, This booklet has been produced by Bendigo Catholic Schools to give you Foundation enrolment information for students to be enrolled in Bendigo and district Catholic primary schools for 2026.

There are 11 Catholic Primary Schools in the Bendigo region which include the areas of Inglewood, Heathcote and Elmore, as well as eight schools in the central Bendigo area.

When you Choose Catholic Education, you choose a community that welcomes all families, regardless of their faith background. With inclusive school fees and no hidden costs, a quality education is within reach.

We understand that many families have varying circumstances and in response to the rising cost of living expenses we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance.

Each of our 11 primary schools offer a curriculum that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning. With the introduction of ‘Magnify Sandhurst’, our schools are committed to providing students with the best possible learning outcomes, delivering explicit and direct instruction where every student can flourish, inspired by the mantra, “Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day!”.

Each school has provided details about their open days, information sessions and transition programs. I encourage you to contact the principals of individual schools for further details or to arrange a tour of the school. We look forward to welcoming you to the many exciting events and activities that are being offered in our schools.

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BENDIGO

Choose Teamwork & Achievement School Information Night Tuesday 6th May at 7:00pm in the multi-purpose room

School Open Week Monday 5th May - Friday 9th May 2025 Student led tours 9:15am - 11:00am or by appointment outside these times

Principal Learning Tour By appointment

Foundation Transition & Orientation Program Time: 9:15am - 11:00am Tuesday 11th November 2025 Group Transition Tuesday 25th November 2025 Group Transition Tuesday 9th December 2025 Orientation Day

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025

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St Kilian’s School Bendigo

A: 2 Havelock St Bendigo 3550

P: (03) 5443 4071 Principal: Kimberley McSweeney

W: www.skbendigo.catholic.edu.au E: office@skbendigo.catholic.edu.au

BENDIGO NORTH

Choose Friendship & Purpose School Open Week Monday 5th - 9th May

Principal Learning Walks Wednesday 7th May at 9:30am or by appointment

Foundation (Prep) Transition Program Dates Tuesday 28th October 9:30am - 10:30am Tuesday 11th November 9:30am - 10:30am Tuesday 25th November 9:30am - 11:00am

Orientation Day Tuesday 9th December 12:45am - 1:50pm

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025

St Peter’s School Bendigo North

A: Fenton Street, Bendigo North 3550

P: (03) 5443 9319 Principal: Jeremy Darmody

W: www.spbendigo.catholic.edu.au E: admin@spbendigo.catholic.edu.au

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EAGLEHAWK

Choose Curiosity & Awe Principal Learning Tours Learning Tours are conducted in small groups, including a short meeting with our Leadership Team and tours of the learning areas and facilities.

Foundation Transition Program An extensive transition program will be available between August and December 2025

Orientation Day Tuesday 9th December

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Wednesday 30th April 9.15am & 4.00pm Thursday 1st May 9.15am & 12.00pm Monday 5th May 9.15am & 12.00pm Wednesday 7th May 9.15am & 4.00pm Please phone or email the office to book.

Other times available by appointment.

2026 Prospective Parent Q & A Session Friday 9th May 9.15am Please phone or email the office to book.

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025

St Liborius’ School Eaglehawk

A: 379 Eaglehawk Rd Eaglehawk 3556

P: (03) 5446 9172 Principal: Alannah Darmody

W: www.sleaglehawk.catholic.edu.au E: admin@sleaglehawk.catholic.edu.au

ELMORE

Choose Values & Growth School Information Morning Thursday 15th May 9:00am - 11:00am

Principal Learning Tour Tuesday 6th May 9:00am Thursday 8th May 9:00am For other times, please call the office to organise a walk around the school

Orientation Day Tuesday 9th Dec 11:45am - 1:45pm

Foundation Orientation Program - Little Chevies Friday 24th October 9:00am - 11:00am Friday 31st October 9:00am - 11.00am Friday 7th November 11:00am - 12.30pm Mission (Fete) Day - optional - must attend with a parent Friday 14th November 9:00am - 11:00am Tuesday 9th December 11:45am to 1:45pm

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025 Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Elmore

A: 32 Jeffrey St Elmore 3558

P: (03) 5432 6254 Principal: Lisa Hitchcock

W: www.olshelmore.catholic.edu.au E: admin@olshelmore.catholic.edu.au

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HEATHCOTE

Choose Adventure & Joy School Information Morning Tuesday 6th May 9:00am - 10:00am

School Open Week Monday 5th - Friday 9th May

Orientation Day Tuesday 9th December 8:45am - 10:45am

Principal Learning Walks By appointment. Please call the office at any time to organise a Learning Walk of the school

Foundation Orientation Program - Flying Start Friday 17th October 9:00am - 10:00am Friday 31st October 9:00am - 10:45am Friday 14th November 8:45am - 10:45am Friday 28th November 8:45am - 11:30am

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025

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Holy Rosary School Heathcote

A: 18 Pohlman St, Heathcote 3523

P: (03) 5433 2057 Principal: Jennifer Roberts

W: www.hrheathcote.catholic.edu.au E: admin@hrheathcote.catholic.edu.au

INGLEWOOD

Choose Confidence & Connection School Information Days Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st May

Principal led tours Via appointment

Orientation Day Tuesday 9th December 9:00am - 11:30am

Foundation Orientation Program Wednesday 12th November 9:00am - 11:30am Wednesday 26th November 9:00am - 11:30am Wednesday 3rd December 9:00am - 11:30am

Enrolments Currently accepting new enrolments

St Mary’s School Inglewood

A: 87 Southey Street, Inglewood, Vic 3517

P: (03) 5438 3075 Principal: Stephen O’Shannessy

W: www.sminglewood.catholic.edu.au E: principal@sminglewood.catholic.edu.au

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KANGAROO FLAT

Choose Courage & Compassion School Information Night Monday 5th May 6:00pm

School Open Week 5th – 9th May

School Tours Monday 5th – Friday 9th May Daily 9:30am & 11:45am or at other times by appointment

Foundation Transition Dates Enrolment packs Available from the school office and via our website.

Tuesday 18th November 9:00 - 10:50am Tuesday 25th November 9:00 - 10:50am Tuesday 2nd December 9.00 - 10:50am

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025

St Monica’s School Kangaroo Flat

A: 91 High St Kangaroo Flat 3555

P: (03) 5447 7832 Principal: Matt Knight

W: www.smkangarooflat.catholic.edu.au E: office@smkangarooflat.catholic.edu.au

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KENNINGTON

Choose Wisdom & Imagination School Information Night Tuesday 13th May 7:00pm

School Tours Principal/Student Led Tours: Tuesday 6th May 9:15am Wednesday 7th May 9:15am Monday 12th May 9:15am Thursday 15th May 5:00pm Friday 16th May 9:15 am

Foundation Transition Program Dates Friday 14th November 9:00am - 10:30am Friday 28th November 9:00am - 10:30am Tuesday 9th December 9:00am - 10:30am

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025

St Therese’s School Kennington

A: Albion St Kennington 3550

P: (03) 5443 3200 Principal: Petra Teggelove

W: www.stkennington.catholic.edu.au E: admin@stkennington.catholic.edu.au

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QUARRY HILL

Choose Friendship & Purpose School Information Night Monday 12th May 2025 - 7:00pm in the Arts Centre

School Open Week Monday 5th – Friday 9th May Student-led tours: 9.15am -11:00am, 12.30pm - 1.30pm or at other times by appointment

Principal Tour

by Appointment

Foundation Orientation Program Dates Tuesday 25th November 9:00am - 10.30am Wednesday 26th November 9:00am - 10.30am

Orientation Day Tuesday 9th December – Orientation Day 9:00am 10.45am

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025 St Joseph’s School Quarry Hill

A: Gladstone Street, Quarry Hill 3550

P: (03) 5443 2108 Principal: Peter Teggelove

W: www.sjquarryhill.catholic.edu.au E: office@sjquarryhill.catholic.edu.au

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STRATHFIELDSAYE

Choose Strength & Kindness School Information Night Thursday 8thMay 2025 7.30pm in the Community Centre

School Open Week Monday 5th - Friday 9th May 9.00am - 3.00pm Student led tours.

Principal Learning Tour Monday 5th May 2025 5.00pm (Meet at the office) Tuesday 6th May 2025 9.30am (Meet at the office) Wednesday 7th May 2025 12.30pm (Meet at the office)

Orientation Day & Foundation Parent Information Session Tuesday 2nd December 2025, 11.45am

Prep Orientation Program Dates To be confirmed

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025 St Francis of the Fields School Strathfieldsaye A: 46 Blucher Street, Strathfieldsaye P: (03) 5439 3191 Principal: Tim Moloney

W: www.sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au E: office@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au

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WHITE HILLS

Choose Knowledge & Creativity School Information Night Wednesday 7th May 2025 at 7.00pm in the Rosarium.

School Open Week Monday 5th – Friday 9th May Student led tours 9.15am - 11.00am & 12.00pm 1.30pm or at other times by appointment.

Principal Learning Tour By appointment - Limits apply.

Fondation Transition and Parent Information Sessions To be confirmed.

Orientation Day: Tuesday 9th December 2025

Enrolment period Tues 22 April - Fri 23 May 2025 Holy Rosary School White Hills

A: 556 Napier Street, White Hills

P: (03) 5448 4280 Principal: Paul Wilkinson

W: www.hrwhitehills.catholic.edu.au E: office@hrwhitehills.catholic.edu.au

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HERE ARE SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND WHY WE BELIEVE YOU WILL FEEL AT HOME IN ONE OF OUR WELCOMING SCHOOL SETTINGS WHO CAN ENROL? We welcome families from all backgrounds to join our community. Our schools provide a high-quality and affordable education for everyone, not just Catholic families.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE CATHOLIC OR BAPTISED TO ATTEND? No, you, your child or your family do not need to be Catholic or baptised, we welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds, however, priority will be given to baptised Catholics in the case where schools are at capacity based on an enrolment priority criteria approved by the Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL) Board.

Can I afford the fees?

Catholic schools remain an affordable option for most families and is surprisingly more affordable than some may realise. When you enrol your child in a Catholic school your fees are inclusive, with no hidden costs. Families with a Health Care Card are eligible for significant fee relief in our Catholic Primary Schools. Catholic School fees include all external costs, including camps, excursions, swimming lessons, technology and more!

DO I HAVE TO GO TO MY NEAREST CATHOLIC SCHOOL? We do not have zoning regulations for our primary schools, therefore, you are able to enrol your child at any of our Catholic primary schools. We encourage you to visit our schools during open days or tours to find the best fit.

HOW DO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CATER FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS? Catholic schools’ welcome Indigenous students and a variety of specialist educational and pastoral care strategies are available to ensure that Indigenous students feel supported and culturally respected.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A CATHOLIC SCHOOL? You can expect calm, safe, and predictable classrooms with a strong academic focus.

Our Magnify Program enhances learning and we have a variety of programs in each of our schools to support the emotional wellbeing of students. We offer broad support services and prioritise child safety with a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.

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Why Choose Catholic Education?

Catholic schools offer different pathways for students from early learning to senior education. We focus on nurturing, safe, and inclusive environments.

Our academic program, Magnify Sandhurst brings together world class partners in education to ensure that all students are able to maximise their learning potential.

With recent research showing that students who attended a Catholic school are more likely to be happier, contribute to the community and be employed, there has never been a better time to be in Catholic Education.