The name has been selected for the new Catholic secondary college for the Riverland region, following the May 2020 announcement by Catholic Education SA (CESA) that the college is to be established.
Set to open in 2022, the Year 7-12 secondary school will be known as St Francis of Assisi College.
“It is with great delight that I announce the foundation of St Francis of Assisi College at Renmark”, said Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Port Pirie.
“The College will be named after St Francis of Assisi, a choice of name following discussion with the parish and school communities.
“St Francis of Assisi remains an inspirational figure for people of all denominations. Not only was St Francis a powerful steward of the environment that is so relevant to the Riverland region, he was someone who responded with deep care to those who were vulnerable or marginalised.”
St Francis of Assisi College will cater for up to 360 students, starting with Year 7 and 8 in 2022 and will offer a new year level annually until it expands to Year 7 to 12 by 2026.
Nichii Mardon, Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie said the announcement of St Francis of Assisi College has been warmly welcomed by Riverland communities.
“St Francis of Assisi College will be a place of strong community engagement, providing an excellent Catholic education, deeply steeped in faith and tradition for students across the Riverland region.
“The College will have a focus on sustainability and care for self, others and earth, so to name the College after St Francis is fitting.”
The location of the school in Renmark will be announced in coming weeks.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide and Catholic Education SA will establish a new education and community services village for disadvantaged young people in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.
