Notre Dame College steps into BCE Open Week

Notre Dame College, Bells Creek will hit the ground running this Brisbane Catholic Education Open Week (27 April to 3 May).

Or shall we say walking… 

The Year 7 students will this year join the College’s foundation Year 8 students for the Sunshine Coasts 18km Kokoda Challenge in the muddy hills of Kenilworth. 

Establishing a College identity

Notre Dame College Principal Dan McShea said, although extreme, the Kokoda Challenge ensures the College puts the right foot forward as they continue to establish a College identity. 

“Walking in nature, rather than interacting in a classroom, opens new avenues for conversation, encouragement, and mutual support in our inaugural year,” he said. 

“The challenge gives us the chance to connect with students that we would not normally teach, allowing our staff to better appreciate student strengths in a different context. 

“Facing the physical challenge also fosters genuine camaraderie among staff and students alike, where encouragement, humour, and shared perseverance strengthened our relationships with one another.” 

Better together

Dan adds that this challenge will set the tone for future scholars.  

“We want to teach our students that we can do hard things if we do them together, and as Notre Dame College students, we embrace challenges together,” he said. 

Inaugural year

Dan adds that the inaugural year was marked by numerous milestone moments.  

“Not only did our Year 7 students undertake the Kokoda Challenge last year, creating a College tradition, but we were also able to establish a dance troupe for all year levels,” he said.  

“The program has been hugely successful with both Dance Troupes achieving second place at the Dance X State Finals.” 

“In 2025, we also established the Le Rosey Playgroup, which takes place twice each Term.”  

“The playgroup aims to foster community connection among our future scholars and their families and also provides a smooth transition for future Prep enrolments.”  

The program welcomes children from birth to five years, with a variety of age‑appropriate activities such as singing and dancing, storytelling, and creative craft. 

In 2026, Notre Dame College will commence Stage 2 of construction, delivering a new library, classrooms, specialist learning spaces including learning support and science labs, a covered physical education area, administration, and a lunch area. 

Why the Kokoda Challenge?

The Kokoda Challenge was one of many offerings provided to students in the College’s inaugural year.  

The challenge experience is another example of an opportunity provided to students to say ‘yes’ in the Way of Mary. 

The College has established a strong Marian identity, giving students opportunities to grow beyond the classroom while forming meaningful connections with their new teachers and their fellow peers. 

Open Week 2026

Discover the Notre Dame College difference! Parents/carers and future scholars are invited to Notre Dame College Open Day on Tuesday, 28th April.  

Meet Principal Dan McShea and explore the modern campus designed to welcome 1,800 students from Prep to Year 12.  

Don’t miss your chance to take a sneak peek beyond the school gates, for more information about Notre Dame College, Bells Creek, or to enrol, click here.   

Catholic schools on the Sunshine Coast bring together long‑standing tradition and contemporary learning. From schools that have served local families for generations to modern P–12 colleges in growing communities, families can choose pathways across primary, secondary, and P–12 that combine strong foundations, modern facilities, and the connected community the Coast is known for. Find a Catholic school near you today, click here. 

Image caption: Notre Dame College Foundation Year 7 students on the Sunshine Coasts 18km Kokoda Challenge in the College's inaugural year. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Notre Dame College, Bells Creek (2025).