St John Henry Newman College Archives

St John Henry Newman College, a new Catholic primary school set to open in Tarragindi, is now welcoming enrolments as it prepares to launch next year. With a focus on classical education, the independent co-educational school is already generating significant interest, with half of its initial enrolment capacity filled.

Read: St John Henry Newman College to Open in Tarragindi in 2026

Located on the grounds of St John Fisher Catholic Church at 17 Messines Ridge Road, the college will begin by offering classes for Prep to Year 3 students in its first year. Over time, it aims to expand into a full Prep to Year 12 institution with separate primary and secondary campuses.

Artist’s impression of the school (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)

The college’s curriculum is designed around classical education principles, immersing students in timeless works of literature, history, and Latin. This approach, known as the Great Books method, will introduce students to influential thinkers and writers, from Homer and Plato to Austen and Shelley, encouraging them to engage deeply with the ideas that have shaped Western thought.

Photo credit: St John Henry Newman College/Facebook

Leading the college as its founding principal is Kenneth Crowther, who is guiding the school’s development and its mission to provide a faith-centred, virtue-driven education.

While the school has yet to open its doors, it has already fostered a sense of community. Last month, families gathered for the college’s first Community BBQ & Family Day, enjoying games, face painting, and a free sausage sizzle while getting a first look at the school’s masterplan.

Read: Tarragindi: The Suburban Hotspot for Lifestyle, Growth, and Community

With enrolments for Prep to Year 3 in 2026 already at 50 percent capacity, interested families are encouraged to apply soon to secure a place for their children at this unique new educational institution.

Published 5-March-2025

Tarragindi will soon have a new Catholic primary school, scheduled to open in 2026.

The development application, submitted to the Brisbane City Council on 27 August, proposes a primary school on the existing St John Fisher Catholic Church grounds at 17 Messines Ridge Road.

The plans, drafted by Mewing Planning Consultants, suggest repurposing the existing church hall and chapel and building two single-storey buildings. The school is designed to accommodate up to 95 students and eight full-time staff, and the project will be rolled out in two phases.

The initial phase involves refurbishing part of the chapel for administration and the church hall for classrooms. A new 144-sqm building will house additional classrooms, an outdoor learning area, and a playground. The second phase will see another 266-sqm building with flexible learning spaces. The project is expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The design prioritises the retention of existing structures and ample open space. New buildings, parking, and the playground are strategically positioned towards the street, away from residential boundaries. The plan also incorporates landscaping, and acoustic fencing to mitigate visual and noise impacts on neighbouring properties.

Although 24 parking spaces are included, exceeding council requirements, traffic concerns still need to be raised. The school’s operating hours will overlap with the church’s Wednesday mass, potentially increasing traffic congestion. While a traffic assessment indicates that key intersections can handle the additional traffic, residents remain apprehensive.

Several objections have already been lodged, citing concerns about increased traffic and the area’s frequent park-and-ride use due to its proximity to the Holland Park West station. Residents fear that the added traffic from the school will exacerbate existing congestion, especially on Pozieres Road, a key route to the M3.

Founding principal Kenneth Crowther assures that the development aligns with the site’s zoning and has undergone thorough planning. He emphasises the school’s commitment to a design compatible with the local context, including single-storey buildings. Despite the worries, Crowther finds encouragement in the positive response from parents looking to enroll their children.

The school intends to commence in 2026 with classes from preparatory to Year Three. It plans to expand into a full P-12 school with separate Primary and Secondary campuses. The development application is currently under review by the Brisbane City Council.

Published Date 10-September-2024

Tag: St John Henry Newman College

Strong Demand as St John Henry Newman College Opens Enrolments for 2026

St John Henry Newman College to Open in Tarragindi in 2026