Inspired by the wisdom of Pope John XXIII, in response to the exponential demand for Catholic education in Sydney’s north west and seeking a new paradigm of Catholic schooling, our College first came to life in 5 demountables off a dirt track from Bentwood Terrace, Stanhope Gardens.
This new College, developed on the old Perfection Dairy site, became the flagship of Catholic education in the Diocese of Parramatta. Greatly supported by a growing parish, and led by Foundation Principal, Ian Jordan, the small but connected community quickly established itself as a new identity on the landscape.
Traditional settings were challenged and a transformational approach welcomed. Learning spaces and teaching teams were agile. Technology for all transformed the classroom and global learning was the norm. Physical resources were shared and the collective wisdom of educators provided rich, resourceful, energetic learning.
Close connections and partnerships were paramount. Every student, staff member and family mattered. We celebrated as a community.
Starting small in 2005 with Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2 only, our whole school population was just over 80 students. By 2008 demand for a position in our learning community was so strong we enrolled 4 Kindergarten classes and we have continued to enrol to capacity since that time.
2007 saw our inaugural Year 7 cohort of 68 students begin under the leadership of Ms Robyn Meddows, Foundation Principal. At this early stage, our learning community was already known as a place where students were educated now for an ever changing future. A place where the inclusion and safety of every student in our care was recognised as an essential element for success. It was the time when the diversity of learning styles led educators to be adaptive to the curriculum to ensure learning was delivered in a personalised, meaningful way. Refinement and reflective practice was continuous.
Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams - Saint John XXIII
By 2009 our pre to post community was fully operational with the inclusion of our CELC and COSCH and the opening of dedicated secondary learning spaces including our Library, specialised Art and TAS rooms and recreational spaces.
We continued to experience unprecedented growth with some cohorts doubling in size for consecutive years. This growth kept us young, fresh, challenged but importantly sure in the knowledge that our foundations were strong and we were doing something right!
2014 saw the addition of senior learning spaces, specialised Hospitality Kitchens, Design & Technology spaces and a College Staffroom catering for 150+ educators.
The final piece of our building program came to life in 2019 with the completion of our Performance HUB. Our large student population, staff and families finally have a place where we can gather as one. A space way beyond expectation with a capacity in excess of 1000 seated, outdoor function spaces, Music and Drama rooms, even a Recording Studio. What a reason to celebrate! Our very first welcome event truly was spectacular!
From a small group of parents who put their faith in our vision, sending their early years primary children in 2005 and Year 7’s in 2007, our K - 12 student population in 2022 now exceeds 1900.
In 2022 our K-12 Catholic Learning Community will be know at St John XXIII Catholic College. A monumental occasion that gathers and celebrates the history and charism of our past and provides the inspiration for our future.
St John XXIII Catholic College is now at the frontier of learning. Connecting and encouraging every student and staff member so that they can flourish and be the very best person they can be.
We are proud to be St John XXIII, Stanhope Gardens
Educating our children today to nurture in them the hope, courage and capacity to be Christian leaders of tomorrow.
St John XXIII Catholic College will proactively co-adapt, co-create and transform in ever changing local and global ecosystems.