The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with dozens of local, low-fee Catholic schools to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities, including on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that St Joseph’s in Sorrento, and Our Lady of Fatima School in Rosebud are among 67 projects at 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will share in more than $243 million to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools.  

St Joseph’s School in Sorrento will receive $2.35 million to upgrade student facilities, improve access, and add a gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible bathroom. Funds will also cover a multi-purpose learning space which can be used for parent evenings, school incursions, and local community groups. 

Our Lady of Fatima School in Rosebud will receive $2.22 million to demolish and rebuild their amenities block and extend their current general learning areas. 

These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children.  

Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll 

“Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.” 

“We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“These projects continue our legacy of huge investments in local education, I’m proud that St Joseph’s and Our Lady Fatima students, families and staff will benefit from these upgrades for generations to come”  

Quotes attributable to St Joseph’s Sorrento Principal Monica O’Shannassy 

“We are thrilled to receive the funding as it is a wonderful opportunity for our school.” 

“We will have space to gather as a community and have a multipurpose area which can be used for incursions, Performing Arts lessons, PE lessons, musical performances and community events.” 

“Students’ learning outcomes and wellbeing will be improved by providing spaces where their creativity and physical abilities are explored and a sense of belonging enhanced.”