St Gabriel'sPrimary School, Traralgon celebrates new buildings

2 November 2023

St Gabriel’s Primary School celebrates new school buildings

Staff and students at St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School, Traralgon celebrated the Blessing and official opening of new state-of-the-art building projects which have created additional vibrant and spacious learning spaces.

Father Aju – Parish Priest for the Traralgon Parish officially blessed the new facilities. He was joined by Senator Raff Ciccone, Federal Labor Senator for Victoria who officially opened the new facilities.

Also attending was Very Reverend Dean, Francis Otobo, Mr John Swan - Board Director, Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for DOSCEL, Mrs Michelle Charlton - Principal, along with invited guests and friends of the school and Parish community.

Principal, Mrs Michelle Charlton said the projects had been transformative for the school and significantly enhanced teaching and learning to meet the needs of students and staff as the school continued to grow.

“The projects involved two stages with the first stage involving construction of three general learning areas, a Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) area, multi-purpose room, basketball court and paving. The existing administration area was then refurbished with an emphasis on child safety.”

“The result is the creation of dynamic learning and working spaces that are inviting, flexible and adaptable to inspire learning and provide a collaborative environment for students and staff alike. The new facilities also reflect our Catholic identity and provide a faith-filled environment for students to flourish.”

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Velten, said it was wonderful to see Catholic education growing in the Latrobe Valley.

“These new facilities represent Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities.

“By creating modern, engaging learning areas and updating the facilities for students and staff, our Catholic schools are promoting excellence in learning where students can grow and thrive in a faith-filled learning environment.” 

The $3,814,00 building project was supported by a $1,750,000. funding grant from the Australian Government under the Capital Grants Program (CGP), a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) and the school community.

Mr Velten thanked the Australian Government and Catholic Development Fund (CDF) for their support of the project.

About St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School

St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School was established in 1980 to accommodate families living in the new housing estates of Traralgon West. Initial enrolment was 124 students in four portable classrooms, located on the grounds of St Michael’s Catholic School in the centre of Traralgon. In May 1981, the school was relocated to the school’s current site in Rangeview Drive, Traralgon West. Since then, St Gabriel’s has grown significantly and now accommodates 487 students.

St Gabriel’s strives to provide a welcoming, compassionate and co-operative Catholic learning community that works towards developing each person’s potential. Value is placed on the uniqueness of each child and excellence is encouraged from each, according to their ability and potential. Students and families of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome at St Gabriel’s Primary School.

Media Inquiries:

DOSCEL Media and Communications:

0417 534 232