Established in 2009 Parade College’s Preston Campus stands proudly. It’s a significant addition to Melbourne’s educational landscape. This campus offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. It’s part of a larger institution with deep roots. Parade College was founded in 1871 by four Christian Brothers. They initially taught in a small school. It was located behind St Francis’ Church on Lonsdale Street. The college then moved to a bluestone building on Victoria Parade. This location gave the college its name.
The Preston campus boasts impressive facilities. The Kilkenny Building is a central feature. It’s named after the Irish city where the first Christian Brothers school opened. This building houses art and music rooms. It also includes a commercial-grade teaching kitchen. The Callan Building another prominent structure is named after Edmund Rice’s childhood town. It contains state-of-the-art science labs. There are also technology rooms for woodworking metalwork and plastics. The MacKillop Centre is a multipurpose space. It’s used for indoor sports and campus assemblies. The Penola Theatre located within the MacKillop Centre is a multimedia auditorium. It’s equipped with high-tech projection equipment.
The Preston campus provides excellent sporting facilities. It features an all-weather synthetic turf field. There’s also a multipurpose sports area with basketball courts. The campus grounds are immaculately maintained. They provide ample space for soccer football hockey and cricket. The campus canteen offers students and staff a range of food options. Students even gain hospitality experience by assisting in the canteen. There’s also a practical training room. This space contains a plumbing sand pit for students pursuing plumbing apprenticeships. Other facilities include a computer room and outdoor structures for practical work.
The Parade College Preston Campus’s commitment to education extends beyond academics. It fosters a strong sense of community. The college announced a partnership with Manchester City FC. This partnership created a football program for selected students. The school also added Nolan House in 2023. This addition joined the four existing houses. Students in Years 7 and 8 were given the opportunity to join this new house. In 2025 a significant milestone will be reached. The Preston campus will become co-educational. This will be for the Tertiary Pathways Program. This program offers direct entry into La Trobe University undergraduate courses without an ATAR.
Today Parade College Preston Campus continues to thrive. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders. It continues to shape the lives of its students. It provides a vibrant learning environment. The college’s rich history and modern facilities make it a truly exceptional educational institution. The campus offers a wealth of opportunities. It’s a place where students can excel both academically and personally.