BCE schools respond to growing demand for Prep enrolments - Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School

2/12/2024

​©Brisbane Catholic Education, Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Springfield Lakes (2024).

As South-East Queensland continues to experience rapid population growth, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is witnessing an increase in enrolment applications across its schools.    

In response to this heightened demand, BCE will expand its Prep intake across 16 schools in 2025, aligning with the demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region.  

Growth areas for BCE schools include inner-city Brisbane, Beaudesert, Gold Coast, and Springfield Lakes.   

One Springfield Lakes school, Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, has experienced such growth, with the expansion of both their Prep and Year 5 classrooms in 2025.  

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Principal Christine Ioannides said at the heart of their expansion is its commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment “where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive, true to our school motto, ‘Called by Name’”.  

“This steady growth can also be attributed to our school’s new leadership team,” she said.  

“Since 2023, we have implemented gradual, meaningful changes, enhancing the learning experience for every student.  

“Some of these changes include the introduction of specialist teachers in the areas of Health and Physical Education, Music, Digital Technologies, and Japanese, which has enriched the curriculum, allowing students to explore more diverse learning pathways.  

“Complementing this, our dedicated Learning Support team is growing even stronger, with a full-time Guidance Counsellor, Support Teacher Inclusive Education, and Learning Enhancement teachers being added in 2025.”   

Christine adds, “looking ahead, we’re ready to accommodate our growing population with the construction of new school facilities”.  

“We currently have new playgrounds being built that are bigger and will provide our learners with a greater range of activities to play with during their break times,” she said.  

“Our school is currently planning additional facilities, including classrooms, library and learning support spaces to cater for the growing population.  

“This continued investment into academic and extracurricular facilities ensures Good Shepherd remains a nurturing place where all students will thrive.”  

BCE Executive Director Dr. Sally Towns said, “BCE proactively responds and adapts to the needs and demands of our communities across our 146 schools across South-East Queensland.” 

"While BCE has responded to growth in large greenfield areas like Yarrabilba, Aura, and Coomera, our focus will also remain on improving facilities at our existing schools, meeting the needs of our growing region,” she said.  

“BCE is dedicated to fostering thriving, faith-filled learning g communities that align with the needs of our expanding communities, creating a better future for all.” 

For more information about Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Springfield Lakes or to enrol click here.  



Top stories