A new era of education on Humffray Street

ST Joseph’s Ballarat campus, based in the former Humffray Street School, was given an official opening and rite of blessing by the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat’s Bishop, Paul Bird last Friday afternoon.

The instituition, which is an Edmund Rice Education Australia Flexible Learning School, aims to provide an alternative secondary learning environment for young people at risk of marginalisation, that is safe, inclusive and diverse.

Last week, the school’s leadership also announced it will expand to a second campus at Bungaree early next year, and its name will be changed to Saints College.

“Every young person deserves an education, and an education that suits their individual needs,” said director of Edmund Rice Education Australia Flexible Learning Schools of Victoria, Chloe Hand.

Ms Hand said the current campus, and the next Bungaree site, will be places of “safety, healing, seeking teaching, and learning” in the hope that young Saints College students can be the very best versions of themselves for life.

Edmund Rice Education Australia Victorian Schools CEO, Andy Kuppe likened the rebirth of the Humffray Street School to a gospel reading.

“There’s a passage about refraining from putting new wine into old wine skins,” he said.

“But that’s effectively what we’re doing here; putting our newest thinking and our newest school, Saints College, into a very old building here.

“It’s so beautiful to be here to acknowledge and celebrate that.

“We’re also celebrating 150 years of the Ballarat diocese, so what a great anniversary present.”

Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Macaylah Johnson welcomed attendees of the event to country, and led a smoking ceremony.