2027 enrolment applications are opening

A School Built by Families, for Families.

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

$0M
Raised So Far Help us complete the final $1.4M
0+
Families Registered
2027*
Target Opening

Start your family's enrolment journey.

Interested in enrolling your child at Rosewood College? Share your name and email address, and we’ll send you a private link to continue with the Application for Enrolment.

2027 Prep to Grade 5

Fee planning

Plan your family's fees

Estimate your family’s 2027 fees, including sibling reductions and the refundable family bond, and compare payment options.

*Opening in 2027 remains subject to regulatory approval.

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.

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

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

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
$5.9M raised so far
81% of goal reached $1.4M still to raise

We have raised $5.9M toward our $7.3M goal, leaving $1.4M to go before fully equipped classrooms are ready for students in 2027.

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. Request an application link →

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.

Latest Updates

Newsletter #6 · Aug 2026

Applications for Enrolment Are Opening

Join our Family Information Evening on 26 August for the announcement, Rosewood's latest progress, news of support for the proposed initial campus, and a letter from our Chair.

Read Newsletter →
Rosewood College families gathering for community events
Newsletter #5 · Jun 2026

Applying to Register Rosewood College

What the school registration application means, the expected process, a request for your prayers, and highlights from a fruitful season in our community.

Read Newsletter →
Newsletter #4 · May 2026

Rosewood College Announced

Thank you to all who joined our Information Night. We shared major project updates and announced the name of our school: Rosewood College.

Read Newsletter →
Community picnic collage
Newsletter #3 · May 2026

Information Session & School Name Reveal

Save the date — Wednesday 20 May, 8:30 PM online. We'll reveal the school name live, plus updates on location, fees, teaching ideals, and more. Also recapping our wonderful Family Picnic.

Read Newsletter →
Families for Education website launch
Newsletter #2 · Apr 2026

Our Website Is Live

Announcing the launch of ffe.org.au — our new home online. Plus a reminder about the Family Picnic at Frontier Park, Aintree on Sunday 26 April.

Read Newsletter →
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 →

Join Us at Our Upcoming Events

AUG 26
Online Community Evening

Family Information Evening

8:30–9:30 PM · Online via Google Meet Wednesday 26 August 2026

Join families and supporters as we announce the opening of Applications for Enrolment and share Rosewood College's latest progress towards welcoming its inaugural students in 2027.

SEP 11
Parents and Teachers Evening

Ideals in Teaching: Emotion Coaching

6:30 PM · The Club, Caroline Springs Friday 11 September 2026 · $10 per person

Katrina Alvir will explore practical ways parents can respond calmly, help children understand and regulate their emotions, and use challenging moments to build resilience and stronger family relationships.

Past Events

Families gathered for the June 2026 Ideals in Teaching evening
5 Jun 2026

Ideals in Teaching: A Holistic Education, a School for the Family

Joshua and Natasha Peart, a founding family of Harkaway Hills College, led an evening on the impact of a PARED-style education on children, family life, and a school community grounded in faith, character, and virtue.

Families gathered for the Rosary Pilgrimage at Our Lady Ta' Pinu Shrine, Merrimu
23 May 2026

Rosary Pilgrimage for Families and the School

Families gathered at Our Lady Ta' Pinu Shrine in Merrimu to pray the Rosary for the needs of our families and the school, followed by a simple morning tea picnic together.

Rosewood College emblem revealed during the online information session
20 May 2026

Online Information Session & School Name Reveal

Families joined online for a major milestone in the project: the public announcement of our school's name, Rosewood College, along with updates on progress, fees, formation, and the road to opening.

View Recap →
Family Picnic community collage
Apr 2026

Family Picnic

Families gathered at Frontier Park, Aintree for a relaxed afternoon of connection — a wonderful chance to meet other founding families and enjoy time together as a community.

Read Newsletter →
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.

Read Newsletter →
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.

Read Bulletin →
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.

Read Bulletin →
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.

Read Bulletin →
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.

Read Bulletin →
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.

How You Can Help Build
This School

Whether you have a question, want to lend a hand, or simply want to follow our progress, we would love to hear from you.

Ways to support the project

  • 01

    Pray

    Keep Rosewood College, its families, and the work ahead in your prayers.

  • 02

    Share the vision

    Tell families who may be interested in the school and its approach to education.

  • 03

    Donate or lend

    Help fund the practical work required to open the school. Donate securely →

  • 04

    Offer your skills

    Let us know about practical or professional expertise you may be able to contribute.

Prefer to contact us directly? +61 403 100 733 info@ffe.org.au
Questions and updates

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