A School Built
by Families,
for Families.

A parent-partnered independent school forming young people in the Catholic faith, character, and academic excellence.

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$0M
Still to Raise
0+
Families Registered
2027*
Target Opening
Our Foundation

The Guiding Principles of Families for Education

We believe the best education happens when children and young people receive the same message and example at home and school. The following three pillars guide everything we do:

Faith & Character

We offer an education rooted in the Catholic tradition, which forms children and young people in virtue, purpose, and a deep relationship with God - preparing them to flourish for life, not just exams.

Academic Excellence

Rigorous, engaging education with high expectations. Every student is known by name and guided to reach their full potential.

Parent Partnership

We truly believe that parents are the first educators of their children. Our school's approach to education partners with, and supports, parents in the formation of their children so that they become people of strong character and faith.

Our Story

Inspired by a Proven Model

Our educational approach draws on the Parents for Education (Pared) model, developed over decades and implemented successfully across schools in Australia and New Zealand. Pared schools are known for their strong academic culture, close partnership with parents, and commitment to forming the whole child: intellectually, morally, and spiritually.

Mother and child reading together

“Parents are the first and most important educators of their children.”

— Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio (1981), §36

Our Teaching Approach in Action

Faith, Literacy, and Mentoring

SALT: Scripture & Liturgy Teaching

Our SALT approach immerses students in the life of the Church using hands-on materials, Scripture, and the rhythm of the liturgical year to foster deep, reflective faith.

In practice

Students engage daily with Scripture and prayer in a calm, reflective environment, learning to encounter the faith personally rather than simply study it.

Spalding: Literacy from the Ground Up

We use the Spalding Education International method, a structured, phonics-based approach that explicitly teaches spelling, reading, and writing, ensuring every child develops strong, confident language skills from the ground up.

In practice

Literacy is taught step by step through explicit instruction students learn the building blocks of language, practise them consistently, and gain the confidence to read and write with precision and understanding.

Mentoring: Every Student Known by Name

Our mentoring model ensures that no student is anonymous. Each child is accompanied by a dedicated mentor who knows them well, their strengths, their struggles, and their character, and walks alongside them throughout their formation.

In practice

Mentors build deep, consistent relationships with students and families, creating an environment where young people feel genuinely seen, challenged, and supported to grow.

Dr Anne-Marie Irwin, Founding Principal
Founding Principal

Dr Anne-Marie Irwin

Our school will be led by our Founding Principal, Dr Anne-Marie Irwin. Dr Irwin formerly served as Head of Primary at the first Pared school — Tangara School for Girls. She was also instrumental in bringing the Spalding Education International method to Australia and is the founder of the SALT (Scripture and Liturgy Teaching) approach. Her leadership brings decades of experience in building schools that integrate strong academic formation with a rich, lived faith in the Catholic tradition.

The Road to 2027

Fundraising Progress Approx. $2M still needed

We are in the final stage of fundraising - your support now helps turn plans into fully equipped classrooms ready for 2027. Every contribution - no matter how big or small - helps bring our school to life.

Donate Now

Goals Achieved

Some highlights on the road to opening, shown in chronological order.

Board Established, Company Registered, and Not-for-Profit Status Obtained

The governance structure for Families for Education is now in place. Not-for-profit status obtained.

School Site Secured

Land contract settled December 12, 2025 at 178–202 Highett Road, Melton.

Founding Principal Appointed

Dr Anne-Marie Irwin — an accomplished educator with significant experience in Catholic education — announced as Founding Principal. Read more about Dr Irwin.

Families Registering

80+ families already registered. Register your child →

Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) Application

Formal notification of intent to register lodged with the Victorian school regulator. Preparation of our submission to have the school registered is well underway.

Planning for the Future - Ready from Day One

Our architects are developing a full master plan for the completed school, while also designing the classrooms and facilities needed for our first years of operation.

VRQA School Registration Approval

Awaiting formal approval from the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority to operate as a registered school.

Site Permit Approval

Planning and building permits for the school site at 178–202 Highett Road, Melton.

Stage 1 Construction

Construction of classrooms and facilities needed for our first years of operation.

Open Our Doors

Target: 2027 — welcoming our first students at Melton.

Stay Informed

Latest Updates

Newsletter #1 · Apr 2026

A New Way to Keep in Touch

Our first regular email update — recapping the SALT Approach evening with Dr Irwin and looking ahead to the Family Picnic.

Read Newsletter →
Dr Anne-Marie Irwin at Ideals in Teaching event
Bulletin #4 · Dec 2025

Founding Principal & School Site Announced

Dr Anne-Marie Irwin appointed as Founding Principal. Land secured at 178–202 Highett Road, Melton. EOIs now open with 80+ families already registered.

Read Bulletin →
Aerial view of 178–202 Highett Road, Melton
Land Settlement · 12 Dec 2025

Our Permanent Home

The school's permanent home at 178–202 Highett Road, Melton officially settled on 12 December — the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A day of thanksgiving and a new chapter begins.

Family walking at sunset
Bulletin #3 · Oct 2025

Land Contract Signed & Fundraising Milestone

A landmark month — land contract signed at 178–202 Highett Road, Melton. Character education and the SALT approach explored.

Read Bulletin →
Creating Joyful Christian Homes evening
Bulletin #2 · Aug 2025

Building Joyful Homes & Schools Together

Our second bulletin covers the latest on fundraising, upcoming events, and reflections from our gathering on creating joyful Christian homes and classrooms — the foundation of everything we're building.

Read Bulletin →
Mother and child reading together
Bulletin #1 · Apr 2025

Vision Launch & First Steps

Our very first bulletin, sharing the vision for Families for Education and the exciting first steps we've taken together.

Read Bulletin →
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Community Events

Join Us In Person

Family Picnic at Frontier Park
APR 26
Community Gathering

Family Picnic

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Frontier Park, Aintree Sunday 26 April 2026

Join us for a relaxed afternoon in the park, which will be a wonderful chance for families to connect, meet other founding families, and enjoy time together as a community. All are welcome.

Our History Together

Past Events

Dr Anne-Marie Irwin presenting the SALT Approach
Mar 2026

The SALT Approach: Scripture and Liturgy Teaching

Founding Principal Dr Anne-Marie Irwin introduced the SALT (Scripture and Liturgy Teaching) approach — a distinctive method at the heart of our school's vision for forming students in faith and character.

2025 Journey timeline
Nov 2025

Project Information Session

Nearly 100 parents and supporters joined online for a full overview of the school project — its vision, governance, founding leadership, and the road to 2027.

Trivia Night at Padua Hall
Sep 2025

Trivia Night

Over 120 families gathered at Padua Hall for a night of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition — raising $3,500 toward the school.

Theology of the Body evening with Tatiana Burger
22 Aug 2025

Bringing Theology of the Body to Life in Home and School

Tatiana Burger — co-founder of PARED Victoria schools and NFP instructor — shared practical ways to live the beauty of Theology of the Body in marriage, family, and education. Dinner from 6:45 PM at The Club, Caroline Springs.

Ideals in Teaching: Mentoring evening
Oct 2025

Ideals in Teaching: Mentoring

Trent Thomas explored the life-changing impact of mentoring and how parents and teachers can guide students in both learning and life.

Information Evening
Aug 2025

Information Evening

Families came together to hear about the vision for Families for Education and the progress made toward opening in Melbourne's West.

Vision Launch Evening
Apr 2025

Vision Launch Evening

The founding vision for Families for Education was shared publicly for the first time, inspiring over 12 founding families to commit to the project.

Be Part of This

How You Can Help Build
This School

Pray

Your prayers for this project are the most valuable support you can offer.

Share

Tell other families about this vision. Word of mouth is our most powerful tool.

Donate or Loan

A financial contribution or loan directly supports our next steps toward opening.

Connect

Get in touch with any questions, ideas, or to find out more about enrolling.

Reach Us Directly
info@ffe.org.au +61 4 3463 6719
Join Our Community

Have a child you'd love to enrol in 2027? Register them with us, it helps us plan and keeps your family in the loop.

Register Your Child Accepting registrations up to Year 5 · Non-binding · Takes 5 minutes

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