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Set to open in January 2027, Xavier College Riverlea Park will be the first school in Riverlea, a masterplanned residential community. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) has announced a landmark partnership with Walker Corporation and the City of Playford to deliver a state-of-the-art Catholic school and a district-level community sports facility in the rapidly growing Riverlea neighbourhood.

Initially catering for students from Reception to Year 6, Xavier College Riverlea Park will expand to offer a full academic pathway through to Year 12, and will include a dedicated Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) space and co-located Early Learning Centre (ELC) for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director of Catholic Education South Australia, said they were honoured to be delivering the first school in Riverlea.

“We are delighted to announce the new Catholic school at Riverlea Park will be a campus of Xavier College, making it our 120th campus in South Australia. Xavier College Riverlea Park is part of our commitment to expanding Catholic Education pathways and building an even stronger focus on student learning and quality teaching.”

The $60 million Stage 1 build will feature a three-storey building designed with central communal spaces which flow into innovative and engaging learning environments. Facilities will include dedicated STEM “Maker” spaces, multimedia studios, and a food technology centre.

Key features of the new Xavier College Riverlea Park campus include:

• A Sacred Space for school and community gatherings to foster meaningful faith-inspired connections

• 300 square metres of culturally respectful landscaping, including a cultural trail, yarning circles, and nature play

• Access during school hours to neighbouring district-level sporting facilities

• A rooftop garden that forms part of the Food Technology program

• Green, energy-efficient building design

Walker Corporation’s Managing Director and CEO, David Gallant, emphasised that education and community infrastructure are central to their vision for Riverlea.

“Delivering quality education and well-designed sporting and community facilities is a core component of Walker Corporation’s masterplanned vision for Riverlea. We are excited to partner with Catholic Education South Australia and the City of Playford to deliver this major milestone for the community.”

Through a shared use agreement, the school and wider community will have access to a district-level sportsground that includes soccer pitches, a multi-sport oval, and additional recreational amenities. Plans for a gymnasium on-site are also in development.

The sportsgrounds will be managed by the City of Playford, under its Sportsgrounds Community Land Management Plan (CLMP). Mayor Glenn Docherty described the project as a shining example of what can be achieved through strategic collaboration.

“This is a fantastic result for our community and a strong example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. Council is not just responding to growth, but anticipating it. By working together with Walker and CESA, we’re delivering quality sporting facilities that are accessible to the community, delivered sooner, and cost-effective for Council.”

Riverlea resident and parent Bonnie Skeers expressed her excitement about the development.

“It’s fantastic knowing that by the time our kids are ready for school, they’ll have access to great education right here in Riverlea.”

Dr McGoran added that the project will have long-lasting impact:

“With 40,000 people calling Riverlea home in the future, we are honoured to be delivering the first school in this founding community. Our partnership with the City of Playford and Walker Corporation ensures shared access to recreational and sports facilities that will benefit all.”

Enrolment Applications Now Open

Visit xavier.catholic.edu.au/riverlea-park or contact the college on 08 8521 4500 for further details.

Xavier College will host Community Information Sessions at Riverlea in June, offering families the opportunity to learn more about the new campus and its educational offering. Register to attend: xavier.catholic.edu.au/riverlea-park/events