Finding the right learning environment, facilities and overall fit for your child’s school is often agonising – there are so many questions and difficult decisions to be made.
This is why Brisbane Catholic Education schools Open Week is designed to give you the answers and make the journey easier by providing the opportunity to explore multiple schools with ease from April 28 – May 4, 2025.
There are 146 BCE schools to choose from across South-East Queensland. Each one has its own unique identity, while sharing in the BCE commitment to nurturing students’ minds, hearts and spirits from Prep to Year 12 in a welcoming and inclusive community.
For more information on an Open Day in your area, visit https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/Open-Week/Pages/Open-Week-by-regions.aspx
The following schools are among the options to explore.
St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket
There are a range of distinctive programs that set St Ambrose’s Primary School apart from others. For instance, the “Grandfriends” program pairs Year 1 students with local seniors from Mercy Community Aged Care. Through weekly online sessions, students develop meaningful connections and share valuable experiences with senior partners.
The school also has a Bumble Bees Playgroup to help its littlest learners develop a strong connection to the school community even before class time has started.
This year it will launch a new garden project which will feature vegetables, worm farms, mud kitchens, and nature play areas.
Principal John Hinton said the school enhanced learning through its High Potential Learner Framework, which included a “Buzzing Brains Program” designed to develop critical and creative thinking skills.
“We don’t just teach students the basics. We extend their learning by inspiring them to explore new ideas, challenge their thinking, and reach their full potential,” Mr Hinton said.
“Students thrive in an environment that blends academics with creative and fun opportunities like choir, chess, netball, Japanese, debating, and instrumental music.
“With everything from homework club to hands-on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) projects, we are all about making learning an adventure and helping students discover their passions along the way.
“We also provide targeted intervention led by our specialist educators, giving students who need a little extra support all they need to thrive.”
Parent Michelle Platts said St Ambrose’s was more than just a school.
“It’s an inner-city jewel with a well-proportioned campus and outdoor space,” Ms Platts said.
“The school is committed to nature and sustainability, and the community is a welcoming and supportive village.
“It’s a place where our children have flourished. The dedicated teachers and strong academic program have challenged and supported our children.
“The incredible range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities has helped the children grow in confidence and explore new interests.”
The school has received the highest number of Prep applications for 2026 in its 89-year history.
Prospective parents and families are invited to St Ambrose’s Primary School Open Day from 8.15am on April 30, to join a Principal Tour, and experience an open classroom morning to meet and greet educators.
Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore:
This school boasts a 62-year history and a legacy of academic achievement, paired with a top-notch list of extra-curricular opportunities.
Its creative and dynamic arts program offers visual arts, and the chance to explore a wide range of instruments from drums to guitar, percussion to strings, and even flute and clarinet. There are also chances to learn bucket drumming, the ukulele, and dance.
Principal Paul Rees said the school took great pride in partnering with parents to provide students with personalised learning pathways that supported their individual growth and success.
“We have a strong focus on academic excellence, with a systematic approach to teaching letters, sounds, and reading from Prep to Year 3, leading to student growth rates above the national average,” Mr Rees said.
“In 2025 we are also excited to introduce The Star Learning Program, giving students opportunities to engage in robotics and a range of other innovative STEM experiences.”
Since stepping into the role of Principal in Term 1, 2024, Mr Rees has not only embraced new initiatives, but also appointed a new leadership team – Assistant Principal for Religious Education Sharon O’Hara, and Primary Learning Leader and Head of Curriculum Karen O’Neil.
Together they have developed “Thrive in 25” – an initiative that supports students in all aspects of learning.
“In 2025 we are also investing in the student wellbeing program ‘Second Steps,’ to deliver weekly lessons that build social skills resilience, and emotional wellbeing,” Mr Rees said.
The school’s Leadership Program offers students the opportunity to engage in community activities so that they can earn leadership awards by completing a set number of activities.
For the Year 6 students, the program is designed to be meaningful and structured, with opportunities to lead assemblies, participate in parish activities, read at local kindergartens, and engage with the wider community.
“As a Principal, I strive to be approachable, organised, and fair, and I am involved in all aspects of the school,” Mr Rees said.
“I love being on playground duty because I can see our students’ friendships grow and develop.”
Parent Michelle Moore said Mr Rees was very approachable.
“He’s always available for a catchup during playground duty and afternoon pickups – creating a real sense of connection,” Ms Moore said.
“There’s a strong sense of pride in being part of the Our Lady of the Rosary community, with a focus on presentation, behaviour, and always giving your best.
“My children love the on-campus swimming lessons. Through these lessons, our eldest daughter discovered her passion for sport, ultimately leading her to representative teams.”
The school’s facilities include a swimming pool, a well-equipped sports shed, a resource centre with a dedicated tech room, and a nature-based play area for the youngest learners. They also boast champions in Queensland Futsal, a netball team in the Cup, an AFL team, and representatives in swimming and athletics.
Prospective parents and families are invited to Our Lady of the Rosary’s Open Day on April 30.
St Rita’s Primary School, Victoria Point:
St Rita’s Primary School is nestled in a natural setting with 12 acres of grounds, lush trees with ample shade, and an expansive oval overlooking Moreton Bay.
Principal Nathan Mulhearn said every corner of the school had been carefully planned – from the rejuvenated junior playground to the nature-inspired spaces for senior students. This ensured students felt supported as they discovered their strengths.
“From our natural-themed playgrounds to areas that encourage creativity, teamwork, and leadership, we are proud to offer our students an enriching environment where they can blossom into confident individuals,” Mr Mulhearn said.
The Year 6 Leadership Program encourages active participation in ministry, with students contributing to school projects and taking initiative in meaningful ways such as fundraising for Caritas’ Project Compassion and St Vincent De Paul.
The aim is to foster holistic development – academically, spiritually, and socially.
“The introduction of the phonics-based InitaLit program focuses on the sounds that letters and combinations of letters make,” Mr Mulhearn said.
“When students understand these sounds and how to blend them together, they can read and write with confidence.
“By introducing phonics through the IntiaLit program, we are equipping our students with the essential tools for success while also giving our educators a clear, long-term perspective on each student’s development.”
Their new after-school programs include cricket, AusKick, netball and a chance to try out more musical opportunities like guitar, percussion, strings, flute and clarinet.
St Rita’s Primary school parent Linda Leigh said she was particularly looking for a Catholic school for her four children.
“I chose St Rita’s Primary School for its strong community connection with the Parish, and the opportunity for my children to complete their sacramental programs with their peers,” Ms Leigh said.
“I wanted to provide them with an education that was rooted in values, morals and a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
