Compass expansion plans revealed
Schools
A northern suburbs Catholic secondary school for young people who have disengaged from education will double its capacity as it undertakes a $9m building project.
The expansion plans for Compass Catholic Community, a fee-free school for 17-24 year olds located at Davoren Park, follow strong enrolment demand.
The co-educational school opened in January 2022 and reached its capacity of 120 students in 2024, a year earlier than anticipated.
Its success has prompted Catholic Education SA to look at how it can extend the Compass learning model to other regions across the state.
“You can read about the statistics of young people disengaged from education on a daily basis but what Kelly and the staff at Compass have achieved is something remarkable,” Neil McGoran, director of Catholic Education SA said.
“Young people are, at their own choice, re-entering or continuing schooling at Compass Catholic Community and discovering their own potential.
“This belief in the dignity and potential of all young people is at the core of our mission in Catholic education. The positive impacts for the young people, their families and the community are immense.”
The building project, which will cater for an additional 120 students, includes a large multi-purpose open hub, an additional space for students to gather and learn, counselling rooms and a ‘tinkering’ workshop.
Students are being actively engaged in the project through the Master Builders SA Born to Build program.
Principal Kelly Bunyon, who has led Compass Catholic Community since its opening said the community had flourished over the past three years.
“We are so proud of every student who has come through our doors,” she said.
“We do things differently here and our model of education is tailored to the needs of the individual and we work with each student so that they can achieve their goals and move toward living a life that is meaningful to them.
“Compass Catholic Community is a true senior secondary school with registered teachers, offering SACE and VET, but in a very different way. There are no subjects, no bells and no uniforms. Our students work with their teachers to co-create their learning journeys.”
The school offers free childminding for students who have pre-school aged children, and youth workers for all students. It provides breakfast at the beginning of each day, a laundry, shower facilities and various other wraparound supports.
Building works are expected to be completed by Term 4 2025.
