Three Catholic schools in Vermont South set for merger to create K-12 learning hub

Three Catholic schools in Melbourne’s east are in talks to merge in a bid to create a K-12 “education hub” for about 1500 students.

Emmaus College is one of three schools set to merge in 2025.

Three Catholic schools in Melbourne’s east are in talks to merge in a bid to create a K-12 “education hub” for about 1500 students.

Emmaus College, St Timothy’s Primary School and Holy Saviour Parish Primary School, which are all in Vermont South, are proposed to merge in 2025.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) director of learning and regional services Dr Mary Oski said news of the merger has been “overwhelmingly positive” within the school community.

“We are excited to share that we are actively exploring the potential for a K-12 Catholic Education Hub in Vermont and Vermont South,” Dr Oski said.

“This innovative concept would offer a seamless K-12 Catholic education for children and families currently attending St Timothy’s Primary School, Holy Saviour Parish Primary School and Emmaus Secondary College.

“This proposal aligns with our responsibility to be responsive to demographic change and use resources as effectively as possible across the Archdiocese.”

Dr Oski added: “ It is why we are steadfast in our commitment to build a thriving, high-quality education system that meets the evolving needs of our students and parish communities.”

“This includes continuing to support schools with small student cohorts to flourish in a range of settings.

“We remain fully committed to faithfully serving all our students and their families in the Vermont and Vermont South communities, with no changes planned for the 2024 school year.”

There are currently 50 pupils enrolled at St Timothy’s Primary School, 1392 pupils at Emmaus College and 75 from Holy Saviour, Vermont South.

Emmaus College principal Karen Jebb said: “We are excited about the prospect of offering a seamless K-12 educational journey for local families.”

Holy Saviour Primary School principal Steve Evans said: “This K-12 setting would open doors to explore more innovative ways to deliver primary education in our local community”.

St Timothy’s principal Anne Maree Jones said: “This proposal would allow us to access the facilities and specialised services of a large school, whilst maintaining the personalised approach of a small school community.”

The merger comes amid plans to open seven new catholic schools over the next three years, including Marymede Catholic College in Doreen and St Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Primary in Tarneit North which are set to open next year.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed earlier this month independent school Shelford Girls’ Grammar will be incorporated into Caulfield Grammar at the start of 2025.

The merger will see an end to the 125-year-old girl’s school’s name, separate campus and uniform.

Demand for Catholic education is growing particularly strongly in Melbourne’s northern and western corridors, where MACS has opened 12 schools since 2018, now educating over 4750 students.

Originally published as Three Catholic schools in Vermont South set for merger to create K-12 learning hub