It is the revolutionary high-rise school expected to cater for close to 1900 students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 12. Now construction has started on the $123m project as families get the latest look at the plans.
Construction has started on a new $123 million high-rise catholic school earmarked for Sydney’s northwest, as students get a first look at the latest plans for the 21st century educational hub.
Catholic Education announced construction was underway at the Santa Sophia Catholic College at Box Hill today, following a sod turning at the site.
An overview of Santa Sophia College in Box Hill.
The catholic college includes plans for a four to six-storey building with learning areas, creative and performance hubs, open space and sporting facilities, as well as an on-site childcare centre for 60 children.
Play spaces are incorporated into the building design.
Research hubs will replace classrooms
Parramatta Diocese executive Greg Whitby said the school was designed to “serve one of the fastest growing regions in Sydney”.
“Santa Sophia will soon be at the centre of this growing new community, and we can’t wait,” he said.
Inside the high-rise school’s design
School principal Mark De Vries said the school was located at the heart of The Gables residential precinct to support students and families close to home.
Construction is expected to be complete within 13 months.
Learn more about these incredible new learning spaces
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02 Apr 2026
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02 Apr 2026
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Our Year 9 Drama class recently created a performance especially for our K-4 audience for Harmony Day as part of their studies in Children's Theatre. Using the theme from Harmony Day 2026 "Everybody Belongs" they playbuilt an entertaining, comedic piece of theatre specifically for this age group including handmade props and costumes. #HarmonyDay #DramaPerformance
02 Apr 2026
From YouTube
Welcome to the second edition of our 2026 e-Newsletter! In this issue, we share exciting updates, celebrate student success, and reflect on important moments in our school community. ✨ What’s inside: 1️⃣ Recent Events with Mr Mark De Vries 2️⃣ Student Spotlight – An interview with Year 4 student Serena M outstanding Jiu-Jitsu achievements 3️⃣ Closing Message – A recent Faith and Social Justice initiatives at our school, Stay informed, inspired, and connected with all that’s happening across our school community. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction with the Principal: Recent Events and Easter 3:28 – Student Spotlight: Interview with Year 4 student Serena M, Jiu-Jitsu champion 7:25 – Closing Message: A glimpse into recent Faith and Social Justice initiatives at our school, and how we have been reflecting and journeying through Holy Week together. ✝️ Thank you for being part of our community. We hope you enjoy this edition! Read the full e-Newsletter here: https://issuu.com/santasophiacc/docs/2026_enewsletter_term_1_issue_2?fr=sMzIyMjg0MzEwNDM
01 Apr 2026
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01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Our K–4 students reverently participated in the Stations of the Cross this Holy Week. Through a powerful shadow drama presentation, students depicted Jesus’ journey to Calvary, helping bring the story to life in a meaningful and reflective way. Students were prayerfully guided through each station, taking time for reflection and deepening their understanding of this sacred time. ✝️ #HolyWeek #Lent #StationsoftheCross #Passion #JesusChrist Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
31 Mar 2026
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30 Mar 2026
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Our Year 10 students had a fantastic opportunity at the Early Childhood Education Futures Day held at Vinegar Hill Memorial Community Centre on Tuesday 24 March. Students began the day engaging in hands-on activities commonly used in childcare settings, exploring how play supports key areas of child development. From imaginative cooking with play food to creative expression using chalk and playdough, they experienced firsthand the value of learning through play. They were then privileged to hear from a panel of five presenters representing a range of local early childhood services. This provided valuable insight into the many pathways available, including traineeships in OOSH, community preschools, and private childcare centres catering to different age groups. The day concluded with a Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful questions and gained a deeper understanding of the industry. A sincere thank you to Jared, Senior Project Officer with RIEP, and all the childcare providers for making this such an engaging and informative experience for our students. #EarlyChildhoodEducationFutures
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Connect Movie Night – Community for a Cause ✨🎬 Our Connect Movie Night was a great success, bringing together School of Connect students for a fun evening watching The Prince of Egypt with their friends while raising funds for our upcoming Fiji Immersion. All funds raised will directly support this life-changing experience, helping students grow in faith, service, and global awareness. The night was filled with connection and energy, as students enjoyed time together and reflected on the film’s powerful themes during this Lenten season. 🍿 Our Fiji Immersion students did an amazing job running the candy bar, selling popcorn, Zooper Doopers, and soft drinks, creating a fun atmosphere while raising valuable funds. 🙏 We also thank our dedicated teachers, Immersion students, and Connect students for making the night such a success. 💙 Thank you to our families and students for your ongoing support of the Connect Movie Night and the Immersion Program.
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
In the lead-up to Harmony Day, our Year 9 Japanese elective students have been exploring cultural identity through their current topic, “Personal World.” 🌏🇯🇵 Using their developing knowledge of Japanese grammar, students have been building their confidence in both writing and speaking as they share who they are - including their nationality, where they come from, and where they live. It’s been wonderful to see students celebrating diversity, connection, and inclusion while engaging with language learning in such a meaningful way. #HarmonyDay #HarmonyWeek #Inclusion #Diversity #Unity
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A Beautiful Sunday of Faith and Community! We were overjoyed to see so many of our Santa Sophia families and local residents gather yesterday for our special Mass on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. It was an honour to welcome Bishop Vincent Long Nguyen to our College Hall. During his homily, the Bishop spoke beautifully about the vibrant, growing community we have built here in the Gables, with our school serving as its heart. #SantaSophia #TheGables #BoxHill #CommunityOfFaith #DioceseOfParramatta #catholiceducation Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church - Rouse Hill
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
To all our Santa Sophia families and community. You are warmly invited to join us for the Stations of the Cross on Monday 30 March at 1:35pm in the hall. We look forward to sharing this special and reflective time with you all. ✝️ #StationsoftheCross #Lent #Reflections #Prayer
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday, 19th March, the Solemnity of St Joseph, Santa Sophia Catholic College participated in a CSPD Liturgy of the Word and Commissioning of School Leaders and Early Career Teachers, held at St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta and presided over by the Very Reverend Peter G. Williams AM VG, Vicar General. During this significant and prayerful celebration, a number of Santa Sophia’s Early Career Teachers were formally blessed and commissioned for their vocation in Catholic education. The ceremony recognised their commitment to the ministry of teaching and affirmed their role in nurturing the faith, learning, and wellbeing of their students. Grounded in the example of St Joseph, the commissioning highlighted the dignity and responsibility of the teaching vocation, as these educators begin their journey of service within the Santa Sophia community. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #earlycareerteachers #StJoseph