St Paul’s to welcome girls from 2022
Schools
After more than 60 years as a boys-only school, St Paul’s College has announced it will move to co-education from 2022.
The Gilles Plains school, which follows in the Edmund Rice tradition, will introduce co-educational classes from Reception through to and including Year 8 in 2022, growing to be completely co-educational by 2026.
The announcement comes after years of extensive research, consultation and the unanimous support from the St Paul’s College Board, the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, Edmund Rice Education Australia and Catholic Education South Australia.
“Many parents have asked over the years whether we could move to co-education,” said principal Paul Belton.
“We have listened and it is with enormous excitement and pride I am pleased that we are now able to respond to those needs of the community.
“The timing is right. Currently the college has its highest number of students in its 63-year history – more than 750 – and is in a very strong position financially.’’
“We believe that a co-educational education will prepare our students for the world beyond school where they will live and work.”
As part of the transition to co-education, the college Leadership team has set up several subcommittees to investigate and review all aspects of college life. They will look at Catholic Identity and Mission, subject offerings, co-curricular and sport offerings, uniforms, pastoral care and wellbeing programs, class structures, buildings and facilities, and staff professional development.
“Our community will be kept informed of all developments along the way as well as be invited to attend family information evenings to address any questions or concerns that they may have,” Mr Belton said.
Primary school parent Jess Cundy welcomed St Paul’s announcement.
“I am really excited for this to happen. It will make a big difference to my family as all my children will now be able to attend the same school.
“The local area needs an affordable co-educational school,” she said.
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