St Columba opens its new $20m expansion and development to warm reception from students and parents

A northern suburbs private school has officially opened its $20m expanded campus, including a new middle school, wellness hub and outdoor areas.

A one-of-a-kind northern suburbs private school has officially opened a $20 million expansion including a new middle school campus and outdoor facilities.

On Wednesday, St Columba College, a joint Catholic and Anglican school in Andrews Farm, held an official opening ceremony, with Principal Darren Pitt saying it was just the start.

“We’ve got sort of a long-term future improvement here … the school is still quite young in a lot of respects in the South Australian and Australian landscape, the school is 27 years old,” Mr Pitt said.

The new middle school facility of the St Columba College campus was officially opened on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

The developments included refurbishments of existing facilities, new undercover sport courts and external green spaces. Picture: Supplied

“But one of the things that happened over time is we have grown quite quickly, starting with only 40 children and now over 1400 and we anticipate will be around 1850 in the next few years.

“That kind of demand means that you have to build fast and build well, so that you can keep up with the demand and deliver an excellent experience at school.”

The development works concluded the first stage of the school’s Master Plan, started in 2022, and was partially funded by a $10m non-government school loan from the state government.

Catholic Archbishop Patrick O'Reagan and Anglican Archbishop Geoffrey Smith (centre) unveiled the commemorative plaque alongside Education Minister Blair Boyer (right) during the opening ceremony. Picture: Supplied

The project included a new middle school facility, 12 new classrooms, outdoor learning areas, a wellbeing hub and a dedicated diverse learning centre.

In addition, existing middle school facilities were refurbished, including a covered sports courts and a dedicated performing arts space called the Lake Theatre completed by Swanbury Penglase, Mossop Construction and Interiors, and building and grounds staff.

There are also new ‘maker spaces’, which Mr Pitt said were bookable spaces where classes were able to do more “exploratory learning” and get their hands involved “which kids really love”.

A new playground was added outside the new facility. Picture: Supplied

The school, founded in 1997, was established in response to Hickinbotham’s housing development plans, and Mr Pitt said the students and families around the school were excited about the continued growth.

“It’s been transformative, and students have really responded beautifully,” he said.

“It’s really fabulous to see because these are the kinds of facilities that our students deserve, and that our parents, who are paying their school fees, of course, also deserve.

“You see that they feel more valued … they are placing more value on the learning they receive … they are walking a bit taller and their shoulders are further back.”

The opening ceremony and blessing was conducted by the Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, Geoffrey Smith, and the Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, Patrick O’Regan DD, who jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque.

Senior food and hospitality students catered the morning tea that followed.

Originally published as St Columba opens its new $20m expansion and development to warm reception from students and parents