For more than four decades, Assumption Catholic Primary School has provided Catholic education in Mandurah, Western Australia, welcoming children and families into a community grounded in faith, learning, service and belonging.
Founded in the spirit of the Presentation Sisters, Assumption continues that tradition through its motto, ‘United in Christ’, with a commitment to help every child flourish in mind, heart, body and spirit.
Now, a $2.4 million refurbishment of the school’s Senior Teaching Block is giving an established part of the campus a new future.
Supported by a $2.3 million loan from CDF, the project has transformed classrooms for students in Years 3 to 6.
For new Principal Colin Loh, the investment reflects Assumption’s commitment to providing an education that responds to the needs of today’s students while remaining grounded in its Catholic identity.
"Our vision was to create contemporary learning environments that support the needs of today’s students while remaining faithful to our mission as a Catholic school,”.
“We wanted learning spaces that are safe, welcoming, flexible and inspiring, while also ensuring that future generations of Assumption students can continue to thrive."
Colin Loh
Principal, Assumption College
New Life for the Senior Teaching Block
An important part of the project was the removal of asbestos, improving the long term safety of the building while creating an opportunity to revitalise a much loved part of the school.
The refurbished classrooms now feature improved lighting and acoustics, integrated technology, modern furnishings and flexible layouts that support whole class teaching, small group collaboration and independent learning.
For students and teachers, the difference has been immediate.
“The transformation has been remarkable,” Colin said.
“Students now learn in bright, modern classrooms that are comfortable, engaging and conducive to collaboration. There is a renewed sense of pride and excitement in these spaces, and that positivity is evident every day.”
A Community from the Earliest Years
Assumption’s investment in its campus is part of a broader commitment to children and families across the Mandurah community.
From Little Lanterns Playgroup through to Outside Hours Care, Assumption supports families across every stage of the primary years. Together with dedicated educators and strong family relationships, various programs offered by the school help create a community where children can feel known, valued and encouraged from their earliest years.
“At Assumption, we believe education is about much more than academic achievement. We seek to nurture the whole child, helping each student flourish in mind, heart, body and spirit,” Colin said.
“When students feel a sense of belonging and wellbeing, they are better able to engage fully in their learning and faith journey.”
That approach is closely connected to Assumption’s Presentation heritage. Inspired by Nano Nagle, the school’s pillars of Faith, Learning, Community and Service encourage students to discover their gifts, care for others and recognise the contribution they can make to their community.
Building on Strong Foundations
As Assumption’s new Principal, Colin sees an opportunity to build on the school’s history while continuing to strengthen the experience it offers students and families.
“Assumption has a rich history, a dedicated staff and highly supportive families, all united by a commitment to helping our students flourish,” Colin said.
“I am excited about creating new opportunities for innovation, strengthening our Catholic identity and ensuring every student has the support they need to reach their full potential.”
For Colin, the coming years are about continuing to grow Assumption as a place where students are inspired to learn, families feel connected and staff are empowered to provide outstanding educational experiences.
Investing in Assumption's Future
Bringing the Senior Teaching Block refurbishment to life required ssignificant collaboration and a shared commitment to the future of Catholic education.
CDF’s $2.3 million loan towards the project, helped Assumption undertake the significant renewal of its Year 3 to 6 learning environments.
“The support provided by CDF has been instrumental in making this project a reality,” Colin said.
“What makes CDF different is that they genuinely understand the mission of Catholic education and work alongside schools as trusted partners rather than simply financial providers.”
“Knowing we have a trusted financial partner means we can devote more energy to leading learning, strengthening community and fulfilling our mission as a Catholic school.”
The renewed Senior Teaching Block is one part of that story; a tangible investment in the students of today, and those still to come.
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 Assumption Catholic Primary School, Mandurah 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.
