From humble beginnings in a paddock, Cathedral College in Wangeratta is now a thriving base for over 1000 students as it celebrates 20 years of educational success.
The college was founded in 2003 at The Close on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, with the founders’ vision to establish Wangaratta’s first prep to year 12, low-fee-paying, independent Anglican school.
The college commenced with 34 students from prep to year 7. Today, the college has over 1000 students, all on one campus.
During the early years, the small and close-knit community worked together to establish a kind, warm and welcoming school environment; the new college was an aspirational learning environment encouraging excellence with truth and service as the guiding motto.
These values remain core to the college today. During this time, the college’s founding families put tremendous faith in the college, and parents, friends, teachers and many members of the local community worked together to establish the foundations of Cathedral College.
It soon became apparent that the college needed to expand, and the Murdoch Road campus was purchased. Over the years, the campus developed from a farm into what it is today; a sprawling 14-hectare site with state-of-the-art learning and sporting facilities.
“Our campus has evolved from humble beginnings, with a few portables in a paddock, an old house and a concrete down ball court,” parent and former chair of the School Council, Mike Noble, said.
“The wonderful buildings and facilities that now surround us are important and necessary. However, Cathedral College is really about the people.”
Principal Mr Nick Jones said when the Diocese of Wangaratta opened Cathedral College Wangaratta on the grounds of The Close in 2003 under the stewardship of Bishop David Farrer, the dream was realised.
“These (Anglican) values remain a key pillar for our college community and are the bedrock for the exceptional education, pastoral, and wellbeing care our college is now renowned for,” Mr Jones said.
“It is also important that we understand our responsibility in continuing to evolve our great school for the people who will come after us.
“We are the custodians of this great school, and the legacy we leave will ensure that Cathedral College continues to thrive, flourish, and provide a high-quality education experience for the young people of Wangaratta and the northeast region”.
For enrolling information or to book a tour, visit www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au.