The students of Flagstone have never been more ready for the new school year (Wednesday, 28 January)! In a bold move, Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) newest school, St Bonaventure's College, set to open in 2026, has launched a whole-of-school transition program. But if you think it’s just for the students, it’s not; the program also prepares parents for what to expect, immersing them in College life before the school has even officially opened! Unlike traditional school launches, where students meet their teachers on their first day, St Bonaventure’s College students in Prep, Year 1, 2, 3 and 7 have been immersed in every aspect of our College’s journey well before it opens.
A tangible connection Penny Frunks, St Bonaventure’s College very first Year 7 enrolment for 2026 said they’ve already been on tours of the construction of the campus, donning hard hats and high visibility vests. “Having the opportunity to explore the College grounds and see the construction happening in real time was not just exciting, it helped us create a real connection to the College,” she said. “We also had the opportunity to workshop our ideas on what our first year of secondary school should look like, contributing to the uniform design and talked about sport and arts programs that interest us. “Mr Elmore also sorted us into our new house groups using lighting and fog for dramatic effect. “The transition program has really added to the excitement of starting at St Bonaventure’s College.”
Prepping for success
St Bonaventure’s College Foundation Principal Anthony said his youngest students were also being welcomed onto campus.
“Our future Prep students have attended orientation sessions throughout Term 3 and 4 that see them explore sensory dinosaur play and adventure storytelling,” he said.
“While our Preps are learning to navigate their new routines and build classroom confidence, Prep parents are also actively involved in the transition process.
“From information about our College, to uniform fittings and what to pack for lunch, our parents are taken through everything they will need to know to set their child up for success in Prep.”
The Prep students were also gifted ‘I am Prepping for Prep’ shirts that they can wear to orientation sessions.
Bridging home and school life
Anthony adds, “in this instance, it’s not just our Prep and Year 7 students who are new to our College campus”. “Our Year 1,2 and 3 students are also joining our College community for the first time,” he said. “Through a series of interactive sessions, our primary aged students have also had the opportunity to become familiar with their teachers and meet their new classmates, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional connection ahead of time. “The sessions also offer our educators valuable insights into where each student is with their learning. “That way, when their first day rolls around, students are stepping into classrooms where they feel supported and connected and ready to learn. “We have also gifted all our primary aged students the book ‘The Invisible String,’ helping to establish a nurturing bridge between school and home life, with parents encouraged to also read the text at home.” It’s all about community Anthony said it’s vital as a new College community that we create connection for our families. “We’ve been hosting social evenings for our families,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for our parents to create connections with other families and find out more about our College. “I’ve also been hosting Principal meet and greets at Cornerstone Café. “The meet and greets are an opportunity for families to ask me anything while also enjoying the company of our other College families.” Looking ahead the College will also host orientation activities in December, during which students and families will be able to visit their classrooms and explore the College before classes commence in 2026. About St Bonaventure’s College St Bonaventure's College is Brisbane Catholic Education's new Prep to Year 12 College in Flagstone. Located at 15 College Drive, Flagstone, Queensland, Australia, St Bonaventure's College is a co-educational school, master-planned for more than 1,800 students when all stages of development are completed. Opening in 2026, St Bonaventure's College will provide a high-quality Catholic education for families in Flagstone and surrounding areas. St Bonaventure’s College plans to have an OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) service on-site run by Catholic Early EdCare. The College is within the Regents Park Catholic Parish, and its spirituality will be enlivened through the Franciscan charism. Part of Brisbane Catholic Education, which consists of 146 schools, and 6 offices across Queensland, St Bonaventure’s College will be supported through one of the most reliable systems of schools in Australia.
St Bonaventure’s College welcomes students from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, creating a community of learners that celebrates diversity and promotes social responsibility. Through shared experiences, dialogue, and mutual respect, we foster a sense of unity and inclusivity that enriches the learning journey for all. Together, we strive to create an environment where every student feels valued, inspired, and prepared for a bright future. Interviews for 2027 are already underway, and applications for 2028 are now open. For more information about St Bonaventure’s College, Flagstone or to enrol click here.