Officially Open: St Aloysius College Altiora Senior Years Campus
St Aloysius College has celebrated a defining moment in its history this morning, 4th August 2026, with the official opening of the Altiora Campus, a purpose-built Senior Years facility designed to support future-focused learning for generations of students.
Located on the site of the former Boundary Road Gymnasium, Altiora represents the first stage of the College’s Masterplan and reflects a significant investment in creating contemporary, flexible and inspiring learning environments for students as they progress through their senior years.
Works commenced in 2024, supported by funding from the Victorian Government, including a $6 million capital grant towards the project. The six-level campus, with an additional basement level, has been thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of senior students and support the delivery of an exceptional VCE education.
The new facility features dedicated learning spaces, science classrooms, collaborative learning and event areas, a student hub, flexible spaces, administration and staff areas, a welcoming foyer and reception area, and a rooftop terrace designed to provide students with a vibrant environment in which to learn, connect and thrive.
The official opening was celebrated with members of the St Aloysius community, including staff, Community Connect, Advisory Council and Student Leadership, alongside the Sisters of Mercy, representatives from Mercy Education, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), Victoria Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), the Catholic Development Fund and key project partners.
The College also welcomed the teams from SEMZ, Hayball and Building Engineering, whose expertise, collaboration and commitment helped transform the vision for Altiora into reality.
The campus was officially opened by Sheena Watt MP, Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, acknowledging the Victorian Government’s support and investment in this important project.
In her address, Principal Mary Farah reflected on the significance of the occasion:
“Every building has two birthdays. The first is the day its foundations are laid. The second, and the one that truly matters, is the day it comes alive with people, purpose and possibility. Today is that second birthday.”
Principal Farah acknowledged that Altiora represents the next chapter in the College’s enduring Mercy story, carrying forward the vision of the Sisters of Mercy, who established Catholic education in North Melbourne in 1887 with a belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities.
“Altiora is inspired by our College motto, Ad Altiora - Strive for Higher Things,” Principal Farah said. “It honours our rich heritage while embracing the future with confidence, hope and the pursuit of excellence with humility.”
As part of the College’s continued commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for students, physical education programs have also evolved through the College’s partnership with the State Netball and Hockey Centre. This elite sporting facility provides students with access to outstanding equipment, resources and spaces that support their physical development and wellbeing.
As St Aloysius College prepares to celebrate 140 years of Catholic Mercy education in North Melbourne in 2027, Altiora stands as a symbol of the College’s enduring commitment to innovation, excellence and the young people entrusted to its care.
Through outstanding facilities, a strong sense of community and a commitment to Mercy values, Altiora will inspire students to remain curious, become brilliant and strive for higher things.
Ad Altiora.