In January 2026, the first students walked through the doors of St Marianne Cope Catholic Primary School in Mount Atkinson, and a new Catholic school community began to take shape in Melbourne’s growing west.
For Principal Jackie Byrne, the occasion was about much more than celebrating new facilities.
Pictured: Jackie Byrne
"From the very beginning, our vision has been to create a school where children feel a deep sense of belonging, are inspired to learn and grow, and are nurtured in faith. Seeing our students, families and staff come together to celebrate this milestone was a wonderful reminder that while buildings provide the foundations, it is the people, relationships, faith and shared sense of purpose that truly create a school."
Jackie Byrne
Principal, St Marianne Cope Catholic Primary School
A place to learn, play and belong
Stage 1 includes 13 general learning and specialist areas, complemented by outdoor courts, playing fields, a playground and spaces designed to encourage activity and connection.
The development also includes a MACSEYE Children's Hub, bringing early childhood education and care alongside the primary school and creating opportunities for families to connect with the school community from the earliest years.
For families establishing their lives in Mount Atkinson and surrounding suburbs, the new school represents much more than access to Catholic education close to home. It is a place to form friendships, share experiences, celebrate faith and build connections that will grow alongside the community.
Inspired by the life of St Marianne Cope, whose legacy of compassion, courage and service continues to resonate today, the school is building a culture grounded in faith, inclusion and care for others.
Bringing a shared vision to life
Creating a new Catholic school is an investment not only in buildings and facilities, but in the lives of children, families and the future of a growing community.
CDF has supported the school’s establishment with $19.6 million in loan funding toward land purchase and Stage 1 construction, helping turn a vision for Catholic education in Melbourne’s west into a place where children can already be seen learning, playing and growing together.
With Stage 1 now complete, the school is looking towards its next chapter. Future stages will deliver additional classrooms, specialist learning spaces, an indoor gymnasium and hall, and a performing arts centre, allowing the school to grow alongside the community it serves.
A community with a bright future
For students, staff and families, the opening and blessing marks the beginning of an exciting journey.
Named after a woman whose life was defined by compassion, courage and a willingness to go where she was needed most, St Marianne Cope Catholic Primary School is already living out that legacy; one family, one friendship and one school day at a time.
Pictured: St Marianne Cope Catholic Primary School Opening and Blessing 2026
Your savings can do more than grow. By opening an account with CDF Community Fund, you can earn a competitive rate of interest while empowering Catholic schools like St Marianne Cope Primary School in Mount Atkinson to build, serve, and grow. It's a greater return than money alone. Learn more and apply today.
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CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
