History:
In 1962 the first sod of earth was turned to begin the building of the St. Clement of Rome Church/School. One hundred and twenty children were enrolled for the beginning of the 1963 school year. The church and the school shared the same building for eight years! The dedication and commitment of community members during this time placed the parish community of St Clement’s in good stead for the future.
During the 1970s, the school grew rapidly as families made the Bulleen area their home. There was a large Italian community and a number of other nationalities; the beginning of the diverse culture mix that we know today. With enrolment over 700, the then principal commented, “We were bursting at the seams!” In the 1980s enrolment peaked at over 800 students. The parish had grown to 2000 Catholic families and St Clement of Rome was a busy, forward-thinking community.
Today our enrolments are steady at around 400 students and we are at the beginning of the next stage in the life of St Clement of Rome. The future is unfolding as we complete our new building project that will take our school well into the 21st century and serve many of the children and grandchildren of the first community of St Clement of Rome.
Description:
St. Clement of Rome is a place where:
• a Catholic ethos is fostered
• children are the number one priority, their rights are respected, and they are given the opportunity to develop their full potential within the school’s curriculum
• all children have access to a wide variety of resources and the opportunity to participate in all activities and learning experiences in settings within and beyond the school
• children are helped to understand and relate to Australia’s multicultural nature, as reflected by the composition of our school community
• discipline, social skills, care for the environment, respect for others and tolerance are addressed
• the staff is dedicated, friendly, cooperative and supportive
• parents, as primary educators of their children, are acknowledged and valued
Features:
St Clement of Rome enjoys the following special features: Peer Support and Buddy Systems; Literacy support P–6; Numeracy Support; Seasons welfare program; specialist PE and library programs; school choir; before and after–school care; P–6 swimming program; LOTE (Italian and Mandarin mother-tongue maintenance).
We encourage parents to play an integral role in the life of the school: from assisting in the literacy block each morning, attending school celebrations, being active members of formal school structures and committees, to attending social functions at school. We have an active and positive community of parents, who add to the vitality of life at our school.