News and Events
Tour of our Our Lady of Sion Convent Site Redevelopment in Sale
April 2026
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DOSCEL
$40 Million Project taking shape
A $40 million construction and restoration project to transform the historic Our Lady of Sion Convent and campus site in Sale into a state-of-the art Catholic education precinct continues to progress.
Catholic Bishop of Sale – Most Reverand Greg Bennet, Parish Priest – Very Reverand Dean Fr Francis Otobo, Board Chair of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) – Mr Garry McLean, DOSCEL Chief Planning and Infrastructure Officer – Mr Dermot Cannon, and St Thomas Catholic Primary School Principal – Ms Jodie Ware recently visited the site to view the transformation underway.
The group was guided through the site by the project’s architect, project manager and builder, who provided an update on the restoration of the 125 year old heritage convent and the construction of a purpose-built Learning Neighbourhood Centre to be named the St Thomas’ Centre.
DOSCEL
Integrating Heritage and Contemporay Education Design
The tour highlighted the scale and complexity of the project as well as the careful integration of heritage conservation, contemporary educational design and Catholic identity across the site.
Once complete, the Our Lady of Sion Convent and campus will become the future home of Our Lady of Sion Catholic Primary School, Sale with St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Sale relocating to the site. This transition is currently anticipated in 2027.
DOSCEL
St Thomas’ Centre Building
Construction of the new St Thomas’ Centre building, which will accommodate Foundation to Year 3 learning spaces, is progressing well.
The building’s structural frame, walls and roof are now complete with brick cladding underway using reclaimed bricks from the site. The architectural design of the St Thomas’ Centre draws on the heritage of the Sion tradition, with rounded arches, re-used Convent materials and generous natural light inspired by the Ecce Homo Chapel in Jerusalem and the historic Sion Convent in Sale.
Together, these elements link the site’s history with a modern purpose-built learning environment.
DOSCEL
Restoring the historic Convent
In parallel, restoration and works within the historic convent are advancing. When complete, the first two floors will house school administration and learning spaces for Years 4 to 6, while the third floor will be re-purposed as a professional development centre for Catholic education staff from across the Diocese, to be known as the Ratisbonne Leadership Centre.
Restoration works to the historic Sion Convent are progressing across the building, including external conservation, structural upgrades and significant internal works. These interventions are carefully balancing heritage preservation with the requirements of a contemporary learning and professional environment.
DOSCEL
An Inspiring Project For Future Generations
Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet said it was inspiring to see the site being so carefully restored and reimagined for future generations.
“The visit highlighted the scale and significance of the works underway. The re-development of the Our Lady of Sion site reflects our commitment to stewardship and mission. It is about creating places where faith, learning and community come together, supporting the pastoral life of the Diocese and the flourishing of our young people.”
DOSCEL Board Chair, Mr Garry McLean said the project represented a major investment in Catholic education in the region.
“This project has been guided by long term thinking about how we create sustainable, high quality learning spaces while preserving the heritage and Catholic Identity of this much-loved site.”
St Thomas Catholic Primary School Principal – Ms Jodie Ware said the school community was excited to witness the transformation taking place for their new school.
“Every time I pass the site, I see a new facet of this extraordinary transformation. It is a significant project and challenging to capture the full scope and complexity involved in reimagining this historic 125-year-old convent and campus into a state-of-the-art primary school. We are creating a foundation of educational excellence that will serve and uplift our entire community.”