Stage 2 Development
Student capacity to double at Compass Catholic Community in $9m expansion
Compass Catholic Community announces $9 million expansion plans
23 March 2025: Compass Catholic Community, Davoren Park is aiming to double its capacity as it undertakes a $9 million building project as part of its expansion plans.
It follows strong enrolment demand for the fee-free, co-educational learning setting for young people aged between 17-24. Compass Catholic Community opened in January 2022 and reached its capacity of 120 students in 2024, a year earlier than anticipated.
Architects Swanbury Penglase have worked closely with Compass Catholic Community on the Stage 2 building plans which feature a large multi-purpose open hub, an additional space for students to gather and learn, counselling rooms, and a tinkering workshop. The building work has been contracted to Horizon Construction Services who are actively engaging the students in the project through the Master Builders SA Born to Build program.
The expansion plans will enable an additional 120 young adults to re-engage with learning.
Principal, Kelly Bunyon, who has led Compass Catholic Community since its opening said:
“We are thrilled to be able to double our number of students to 240 as part of our master plan. Over the past three years we have seen our community flourish, and we are so proud of every student who has come through our doors. We do things differently here and our model of education is tailored to the needs of the individual and we work with each student so that they can achieve their goals and move toward living a life that is meaningful to them
“The additional spaces will offer a multi-purpose space including a large function room for the entire school community.”
“Compass Catholic Community is a true senior secondary school with registered teachers, offering SACE and VET, but in a very different way. There are no subjects, no bells and no uniforms. Our students work with their teachers to co-create their learning journeys.”
The name of the school was chosen intentionally, as a compass implies a starting point, and is used from where you are, to look forward to where you want to go.
As well as providing a fee-free education the school offers free childminding for students who have pre-school aged children, and youth workers for all students. It provides breakfast at the beginning of each day, a laundry, shower facilities and various other wraparound supports.
The opening of Compass Catholic Community is very close to the heart of Catholic Education South Australia’s Executive Director, Dr Neil McGoran, who has been watching the success of Compass closely:
“You can read about the statistics of young people disengaged from education on a daily basis but what Kelly and the staff at Compass have achieved is something remarkable.
“Young people are, at their own choice, re-entering or continuing schooling at Compass Catholic Community and discovering their own potential. This belief in the dignity and potential of all young people is at the core of our mission in Catholic education. The positive impacts for the young people, their families and the community are immense.
“Due to the success of Compass Catholic Community and the demand for places, we are looking at how we can extend this learning model to other regions across the state.”
Building works are expected to be completed by Term 4. 2025.
Stage 2a
Open Hub – estimated to be complete Term 3, 2025
A new building at Compass Catholic Community, to operate as a multipurpose space
- Flexible function room / Gathering space for the entire Compass Community
- Toilets accessible from inside and outside the building (4 plus 1 accessible)
- 3 x Counselling Rooms (15m2 each) accessible from inside and outside the building
- Display / Gallery / Event Opportunities
- Internally and externally accessible Storage spaces
Stage 2b
Eastern Learning Hub and Tinkering Space - estimated to be complete Term 4, 2025
A new building at Compass Catholic Community, to house a community of additional 120 young people aged 17 to 24. Common Use Facilities
- 8 x additional studio spaces (accommodating 15 students approx. 40m2 each)
- 2 x well-being pods (15m2 each)
- Tinkering Space (laser cutter, woodwork, hands-on learning etc.)
- Kitchenette (accessed by all) near Common Area (Breakout Space)
- Toilets, showers, laundry and lockers for students
- Staff area (approx. 20 staff) & Offices (x2)
- Archive Storage
For more information about Stage 2, please reach out to Partnerships Lead Scott Hockenhull at scott.hockenhull@compass.catholic.edu.au
Image: New Learning Hub (Internal)
