School history

School History

For the years 1979 – 1982 Ocean Grove was the “fastest growth centre” of the Bellarine Peninsula. To meet the needs of the Catholic population, it was decided, after consideration of other alternatives, to build a school in the rapidly growing Surfside estate, where it could cater for children from Ocean Grove, Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Barwon Heads and surrounding areas.

Sr Jean McGonigal, a Sister of Mercy, was appointed as the first Principal of Our Lady Star of the Sea.

The first stage of the school consisted of four learning areas, a central area, temporary administration and staff areas, two storerooms, toilets and a netball court.

The official opening of Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School on Saturday, 17 April 1982, by His Grace, Archbishop Sir Frank Little, represented the culmination of a process of considerable endeavour on the part of many individuals during the span of three years.

During the first year, eighty-four children from forty-eight families were enrolled in the school. In June 1982, the Education Board and the Parents’ and Friends’ Association were formed.