news banner image
  • Beyond the classroom
28 Jan 2025

​(From left to right) Notre Dame College Principal Dan McShea, Prep Parent Jenna Kosch, Head of College Jasmine Brown with 2025 Prep students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Notre Dame College, Bells Creek (2025).

​Making history as the foundation students of the Sunshine Coast’s newest College is an exciting group of 52 eager Preps who will begin their educational journey tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 January).  

But before their big day, the soon-to-be Preps received a sneak peek into the exciting world of their new school Notre Dame College, Bells Creek, during a special ‘Prep-paration’ event on Tuesday, 28 January.  

The event provided the Preps the opportunity to explore their state-of-the-art classrooms, meet their future teachers, make friends, and get a taste of the adventures that await them in their first year of school.  

Notre Dame College Parent Jenna Kosch said her son Harry, age four, was excited to learn “his ABCs at big school and wear his school uniform”. 

“Harry thinks that school is going to be fun,” she said. 

“He talks about the new field and how he is so excited to play footy and soccer on it! 

“He is also very excited and talks about the new playground after he spoke with Mr McShea about it at our first meeting.” 

Jenna said she chose Notre Dame College for Harry as they wanted to give him the best opportunity for a great education and to develop in a school that would instil strong values in him as he grows. 

“We are really looking forward to 2025 and the many years to come as our children grow and develop at Notre Dame,” she said. 

Notre Dame College Foundation Principal Dan McShea said Notre Dame was ready to open its doors and begin a new chapter in education on the Sunshine Coast—one that will be written by these bright and eager foundation students as they step into the next stage of their learning journey. 

“We wish all our students a wonderful first day filled with discovery, growth, and love of learning,” he said. 

“May they embrace every opportunity that comes their way and contribute to a vibrant school community, shaping not only their futures but also the future of Notre Dame.”  

Located within Stockland Aura, its Senior Development Manager Genaea Keith said they were delighted to welcome Notre Dame College to the Aura community on the Sunshine Coast.  

“This new school will help to meet the growing educational needs of local families and the wider community, offering a high-quality learning environment close to home,” she said. 

“Liveability is at the heart of our vision for Stockland Aura – we want to create a well-connected community where essential amenities, including education facilities like this, are within easy reach for our residents.” 

On their first day, the 52 Preps will be joined by 151 other students starting at the College between Years 1 to 3 and Year 7.  

In 2026, the College will continue to grow towards its capacity of more than 1800 students from Prep to Year 12 across a 7.9-hectare plot that will offer students Catholic schooling in a modern campus.   

For more information about Brisbane Catholic Education’s newest school Notre Dame College Bells Creek or to enrol click here. ​

145A4486-1 notre dame.jpg

Notre Dame College new Prep students and triplets Benji, Chloe, and Lilly. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Notre Dame College, Bells Creek (2025).​