Construction activity is intensifying at the site of Medowie's eagerly awaited new primary school, with the project firmly on schedule to welcome its first students at the start of the 2027 school year.
Foundation Principal Appointed as Build Progresses
The development of Catherine McAuley Primary School is advancing rapidly. Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle has marked a significant milestone with the appointment of the school's foundation principal, Samantha Kelley.
Ms Kelley, who will relocate from North Queensland ahead of the opening, expressed her honour at being selected for the role. "Having grown up in this region, I am looking forward to reconnecting with the community, building strong relationships with families, and leading a school that nurtures the next generation academically, socially and spiritually," she said.
Jacqueline Wilkinson, Director of Catholic Schools, stated that appointing a principal demonstrates substantial progress. "With construction advancing and a Foundation Principal now appointed, families can feel confident that Catherine McAuley Primary School is full steam ahead to open for Term 1 2027," Ms Wilkinson confirmed.
School Design and Community Integration
Newly released fly-through animations and renders give prospective families a glimpse of the modern educational facility. The school's design promises:
- Light-filled classrooms to create an optimal learning atmosphere.
- Landscaped outdoor environments that blend with the natural surroundings.
- Playgrounds designed to encourage exploration and collaboration among students.
The primary school will become an integral part of a growing Medowie Catholic education precinct, joining the existing Catherine McAuley Catholic College and St Nicholas Early Education Centre.
Revised Timeline and Upcoming Enrolments
The project has experienced a slight delay from its initial planned 2026 opening. This shift was caused by changes to the national building code, which impacted construction timelines, pushing the opening back to 2027.
With construction now ramping up, enrolments for the new primary school are expected to open in the near future for families seeking a place for their children in Term 1, 2027. This provides ample time for parents in the Medowie and wider Port Stephens region to consider this new educational option.
