McAuley College Beaudesert, Our Lady of the Rosary Kenmore and Holy Cross Primary School Wooloowin will undergo extensive upgrades as part of a $300 million investment by Brisbane Catholic Education in its schools over the next two years.
The investment in existing facilities and the opening of new schools is designed to meet the growing demand for faith-based education in South-East Queensland.
McAuley College Beaudesert
It’s going to be a big year for McAuley College at Beaudesert, with $11 million in works underway for three new state-of-the-art facilities – a Hospitality Facility, Industrial Design Hub, and a new Resources Centre (library).
McAuley College Principal Jason Pacey said the purpose-built facilities are expected to be completed by late 2026.
They have been designed to support contemporary teaching and learning while preparing students with practical skills and knowledge needed for future career pathways.
Hospitality Precinct
The new Hospitality Precinct will feature an open-plan kitchen workspace, an alfresco area for lunching, and a modern dining area where students can hone their food service skills.
Mr Pacey said the facility would provide students with access to modern, industry-standard kitchens and learning environments, supporting hands-on training that will prepare students for the real world.
“This facility will play a key role in nurturing creativity, teamwork and professional skills in a rapidly growing industry,” Mr Pacey said.
Once complete, the space will also be used to support a paddock to plate aquaculture program, which will be introduced in the coming years.
The program will leave students with a comprehensive understanding of aquatic species, systems, and sustainability, and prepare them for careers in marine science, environmental management, and other related industries.
Industrial Design Hub
The new Industrial Design Hub will rehouse the current timber and design spaces and will also include a purpose-built welding, engineering space, and storage unit for larger projects.
“The Hub has been equipped to support practical learning and design thinking, enabling students to explore, create and collaborate using modern tools and technologies aligned with current industry expectations,” Mr Pacey said.
Once complete, the space will allow students to elevate their learning with the introduction of a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways.
Resources Centre
The new resources centre or library space will serve as a central hub for students.
The space will boast a technology hub, teaching spaces, bookable pods for students, a senior flexible learning space, and a service hub.
“The open plan design reflects a university-style learning environment that encourages collaboration, independence, and flexible learning,” Mr Pacey said.
“The space also provides students a quiet space where they can pursue their school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, TAFE, or their FisherOne online subjects outside of class times.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2027, these new facilities will support our growth and cement us as an established Secondary College in the Scenic Rim offering a wide range of senior pathways for all learners.”
The works will also include a new learning support space, administration area, converted general learning areas, and additional canteen space.
The new facilities were designed by Fulton Trotter Architects and are being built by Bryants Builders.
McAuley College Beaudesert Open Week 2026
Parents, carers and future scholars are invited to the McAuley College Principal’s Tour on Monday, 27 April as part of BCE’s 2026 Open Week. Click here to register.
Our Lady of the Rosary Kenmore
More than $2 million is being spent across Our Lady of the Rosary at Kenmore this year to renovate classrooms, refloor the sports court, and upgrade bathrooms to provide contemporary and inspiring learning spaces.
Our Lady of the Rosary Kenmore Principal Paul Rees said the investment would provide learning spaces that supported both strong academic outcomes and student wellbeing through to Year 6.
“The first stage of our wide-ranging plans is the opening of the new Prep classrooms this year,” Mr Rees said.
“We believe a strong beginning is vital, and our early years precinct has been designed as a welcoming, contemporary space that supports learning and meets the needs of students now and into the future.”
This year, Catholic Early EdCare opened a centre on the school grounds, creating a seamless educational journey from daycare through to Year 6 in a nurturing primary setting.
“We listened closely to our local families, and they told us they wanted access to long daycare, a quality Kindy program, and a seamless transition into school,” Mr Rees said.
“Our onsite Kindy allows children to begin their learning journey locally and continue confidently into Prep and beyond.”
As students progress through to Year 6, they benefit from a range of age-appropriate opportunities that build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prepare them for secondary school, including extension programs, interschool sport, and camps.
Guided by the Marist charism to love and serve, students are encouraged to connect with their community through meaningful acts of service.
“It is a great responsibility and an absolute privilege to have a family choose our school for their child,” Mr Rees said.
“We aim to develop strong academic results with strong hearts, nurturing our students to confidently start high school and be inspired to make a difference in the world.”
Our Lady of the Rosary Kenmore Open Week
Tours will run on Wednesday, 29 April at 8.30 am. As part of BCE’s Open Week, the tours will offer you a peek into OLR life and the opportunities available for your child. Register here.
Holy Cross Primary School Wooloowin
Holy Cross Primary School’s youngest learners at Wooloowin started Prep in 2026 in a $5 million state of the art early learning precinct to meet the needs of their growing community.
The new precinct includes renovated Prep classrooms, a dedicated playground, and a refurbished library, with spaces designed to encourage curiosity and engagement.
Holy Cross Primary School Principal Simon Mahaffy said the redevelopment was an important step in preparing students for long-term success.
“A good beginning is of great importance, and we want our early years precinct to be a welcoming, inviting space that facilitates contemporary learning and meets the needs of our students for generations to come,” Mr Mahaffy said.
Holy Cross is well positioned to offer a seamless educational pathway for Brisbane families, with an early learning centre next door and a proposed BCE secondary collage in nearby Windsor.
Holy Cross Wooloowin Open Week
There will be an Open Day on Wednesday April 29 from 4.30-5.30pm and Friday May 1 at 9am as part of BCE’s Open Week. To register, click here.
