Two long-standing Catholic educational institutions in the inner-city suburb of Leederville have embarked on a historic new chapter, formally uniting as a single college. The Aranmore Catholic Primary School and Aranmore Catholic College have completed their amalgamation process, now operating collectively under the name Aranmore Catholic College.
Dedicated Campuses Remain for Primary and Secondary Students
The newly formed college will maintain its two distinct campuses, ensuring continuity for students and staff. The primary campus continues its operations from the Brentham Street location, while the secondary campus remains situated on Franklin Street. This structural arrangement preserves the unique environments tailored to different age groups while fostering a cohesive institutional identity.
Celebratory Opening Mass Marks Unified Beginning
To commemorate this significant transition, the college commenced the 2026 academic year with a special opening Mass that brought together every student from pre-kindergarten through to Year 12. This gathering represented the first time the entire educational community assembled as one unified entity, creating a powerful symbolic moment in the college's extensive history.
Principal Lisa Fogliani described the occasion as both a celebration of the institution's past and a thoughtful contemplation of its future direction. "Our opening Mass provided a wonderful opportunity for our new community to come together," Ms Fogliani explained. "We celebrated our college and the numerous opportunities this amalgamation will create for our students, staff, and wider community."
Cross-Age Activities Foster Community Spirit
The celebrations intentionally spanned all age groups, with kindergarten students—mere days into their formal education journey—joining early years classes on the secondary campus for specially designed fun activities. Meanwhile, students from Years 3 through 12 gathered in the Centre for Arts and Sports Sciences for the Mass, which was celebrated by The Very Reverend Father Vincent Glynn, vicar general and episcopal vicar for education.
A particularly touching aspect of the celebrations involved secondary students providing support and guidance to their younger counterparts during various activities. Additionally, a combined choir featuring vocalists from Years 3 through 12 performed during the Mass, serving as a beautiful auditory symbol of the unity now characterizing the college.
Rich History and Future Opportunities
Ms Fogliani noted the palpable excitement that filled the campuses as students from different educational stages came together to mark this new beginning in Catholic education. "Our college possesses such a rich history in Leederville," she remarked. "We eagerly anticipate embracing enhanced opportunities for our students and strengthening connections with our local community as a comprehensive pre-kindergarten to Year 12 college."
This amalgamation represents the latest evolution in Aranmore's educational story. The secondary college itself originated from a merger of two other Leederville schools in 1986, with the primary school following a similar path in 1988. The current unification builds upon this legacy of adaptation and growth within the Catholic education system.
The formal joining of these two institutions creates a streamlined educational pathway for families in the area, offering continuous Catholic education from the earliest years through to secondary graduation. This structural change is expected to enhance resource sharing, strengthen community ties, and provide more consistent educational philosophy and values throughout a student's entire schooling journey.
