Ushering nine of their own children onto the campus for a special photoshoot on Monday, 22 January - ahead of their first day of school on Tuesday, 23 January - the parents ignited a new chapter in the 34-year history of the school. 

Principal Louise Olley says second-generation enrolments have surged in 2024.  

"It truly speaks volumes about the profound connection our alumni students feel towards our College,” she says. 

“Over the past six years, we have had a steady stream of former students enrolling their children.” 

Louise says she believes that at the heart of the trend is a yearning for those former students to have their children experience the same warmth, camaraderie and values that shaped their formative years. 

“Our College is a tight-knit community with a spirit that endures across generations,” she says. 

“We are not just a school but a sanctuary where families unite, support one another, and share in each other’s triumphs and challenges. 

“When tough times hit people in our community, we always rally together with unwavering support.” 

Louise says the school celebrates when alumni enrol their children with a beautiful back-to-school tradition.  

“Every year we gather our former pupils and their children for a special photoshoot ahead of their first day of school,” she says.  

Former student Daniel Mangano, who graduated Year 7 in 2000, returns to the College this year as a proud parent of Harry, who is in Year 3, and Teddy, who is starting Prep. 

Reminiscing about his school days, Daniel called his former primary school “truly special.”  

“The school and Parish hold a special place in my heart, especially with my mother contributing as the Parish secretary for 25 years,” he says. 

“I wanted my children to experience the same strong sense of camaraderie that defined my upbringing, which is why we enrolled them at the College. 

“Maintaining these connections and a shared history with the same school staff who taught me is truly unique.”   

Acknowledging the evolving landscape of the school, marked by new buildings and the expansion of the former primary school into a Prep to Year 12 college, Daniel said, “while things have changed significantly, it's reassuring to see familiar faces among the teaching staff.”  

Daniel added that Teddy is “very excited to start school.” 

“He can’t wait! He has been counting down for six months,” he said. 

The nine second generation Preps are joining a community of 1500 students, heading back to school at St Eugene College on 23 January 2024. 

St Eugene College currently has more than 35 alumni whose children attend the College. 

Out of the 150-teaching staff at St Eugene's College, 39 of those staff members either have children or grandchildren at the College. 

For more information about St Eugene College Burpengary and to enrol click here.