The future of education in Adelaide’s north has taken a big step forward, with construction now officially underway on the brand-new Xavier College Riverlea Park campus, which has already received more than 180 enrolment applications ahead of its 2027 opening.

Following a competitive tender process, Mossop Construction + Interiors has been appointed as the Head Contractor for the $60 million Stage 1 build. Mossop is well known for its work on many Catholic school projects, including Stages 1 through to 4 of Xavier College Two Wells. Stage 4, the first of the Middle and Senior School Buildings for the Two Wells Campus, has just been completed and is set to welcome its first students later this year.

Before the ceremonial sod was turned on 14 August at the site of the new campus in Riverlea Park, the event was opened with a Site Cleansing Ceremony, led by Bryce Cawte and Bonnie Brodie. Paying respects to ancestors and acknowledging Kaurna connection to Country, the ceremony included a traditional smoking and cleansing ritual and Welcome to Country.

A Catholic Blessing of the site followed, delivered by Xavier College Chaplain, Father Chris Ford and supported by Year 11 Gawler Belt Student Leaders, Serelyna and Bleire, and representatives from the Virginia Parish. Offering prayers for the success of the project and the future students, staff and families of Xavier College Riverlea Park, the service set a meaningful foundation for the celebration that followed.

Representatives from Catholic Education South Australia (CESA), Xavier College and project partners gathered to officially celebrate the start of construction, bringing the Riverlea Park Campus one important step closer to welcoming its first students in 2027.

Stage 1 of the build will deliver a three-storey learning hub with open, welcoming communal areas and modern, flexible classrooms. Families can also look forward to state-of-the-art facilities, including STEM “Maker” spaces, multimedia studios and a food technology centre – all designed to support creativity, innovation and a love of learning.

Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director of CESA said:

“This is a significant milestone for Xavier College Riverlea Park and a major step forward in our commitment to expand Catholic education pathways in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. We are delighted to see this project take shape. With their proven track record of school building projects, we are looking forward to working with Mossop Construction + Interiors once again.”

Mark Flaherty, Principal of Xavier College, said excitement is already building:

“The new Riverlea Park community will share in the values and educational excellence that define Xavier College across all its campuses. We have received a high level of interest in the school following our announcement in May. We have over 180 enrolment applications which is very encouraging. Our enrolment team has started meeting with these families and we are receiving really positive feedback. It’s an exciting time for Xavier College.”

Grant Mossop, Joint Managing Director, Mossop Construction + Interiors said:

“Following our involvement at Two Wells, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to CESA and Xavier College for their invaluable partnership with Mossop Construction + Interiors. This collaboration has allowed us to be a part of their visionary projects, and we are honoured to contribute to the growth and development of such significant endeavours. Through this partnership, we have been able to bring their ambitious plans to life, and we look forward to continuing to build on this successful relationship in the future.”

Kelly and Kieran, parents of Harlow, one of Xavier College Riverlea Park’s first enrolled students said:

“As young parents, it’s such a relief to know that our daughter will have access to top quality Catholic education close to home, with teachers and a community that will nurture her passions and help her develop lifelong skills. We know that the Xavier College family is a good fit for us. Their educational values strongly align with our own.

“It will be exciting to drive past and see how the construction progresses over the coming year.”

Enrolments are now open for Xavier College Riverlea Park, with strong demand already being seen. Families who would like their children to be part of the foundation years of this exciting new campus are encouraged to submit an application today.