New two-storey building set for St Joseph’s School at Hectorville to accommodate student growth

An eastern suburbs private school is set to undergo a transformation including the construction of a new two-storey building by mid-2025.

The proposed two-storey building set for construction at St Joseph's School at Hectorville, which will allow for student population growth. Picture: Supplied.

An eastern suburbs primary school is set to expand, with a new two-storey building planned for construction to cater for a growing student population.

St Joseph’s School at Hectorville has submitted plans for the new building, which will update existing facilities and accommodate for student growth.

Renderings of the new two-storey building set for construction at St Joseph's School at Hectorville. Picture: Supplied.

The Reception to Year 6 school currently has approximately 750 students.

The two-storey building is set to comprise eight general learning areas for students in Years 1 and 2 and common areas on both the ground and first floors.

The building will span two allotments, one of which contains a childcare centre, which has been acquired by St Joseph’s, and the other open space within the school.

The proposed building will have classrooms for Year 1 and 2 students. Picture: Supplied.

The Emali Early Learning Centre currently at the site and the old building hosting Year 1 and 2 students are set to be demolished to make way for the new development on the more than 5500sq m allotment.

The building is part of the school’s stage 6 redevelopments, which are set to begin construction after plans are approved and is expected to open mid-2025.

St Joseph’s Hectorville principal Liz Thomas said the school had experienced “increased demand for its high-quality education”, but could not provide an exact growth figure.

“We are committed to enhancing and upgrading our facilities through new building developments, aiming to optimise the learning and educational experiences for our students,” Ms Thomas said.

“New developments in our school are aimed at creating an environment that … fosters student success and meets the evolving needs of the school community.”

She said the removal of old buildings would “pave the way for the creation of new green spaces dedicated to outdoor education and play”.

Ms Thomas said the cost of the new building had not yet been determined.

The development will involve the demolition of some existing buildings and be built on a 5500sq m allotment. Picture: Supplied.

It comes after The Advertiser revealed in December that private schools in Adelaide are forecasting spikes in enrolments for 2024.

At Xavier College an extra 392 students will start in Term 1 across its three campuses.

In Morphett Vale, Woodcroft College is expecting 111 new students in 2024 – and has children on waiting lists for Reception and Year 7 in 2025.

At Emmaus Christian College more than 1150 students have been enrolled for 2024, up from 1084 last year.

Mt Carmel College was expecting at least 50 extra students in 2024, St John’s Grammar School another 35 and Westminster School at least 30.

At Concordia College about 40 more students will start in Term 1 and it had small waiting lists in multiple year levels for 2024.

St George College has seen an increase in enrolments of five per cent from their 2023 figure and the school has already reached capacity in certain year levels, which will leave families on a waiting list.

Catholic Education SA executive director Neil McGoran said current trends suggested total enrolments would “easily surpass 53,500” students for 2024.

“Enrolments are up 7100 (since 2018) and are expected to continue to climb in 2024,” Dr McGoran said.