Our History

As the Tuggeranong Valley grew, so too did the need for a new Catholic primary school to serve the expanding community. The Parish of St Francis of Assisi, Calwell became the first in the Archdiocese to establish two parish schools, St Francis of Assisi and the newly envisioned St Clare of Assisi Primary School.

St Francis of Assisi School, still in its early years, was facing increasing demand. A second school was needed to support families in Conder, Gordon, Bonython, Banks, Tharwa, and surrounding rural areas.

The name St Clare of Assisi was chosen to reflect the Parish’s vision of unity and collaboration. Under the shared patronage of St Francis and St Clare, the two schools would work together in a spirit of peace, cooperation, and shared celebration of Parish life.

In November 1993, as a paddock began its transformation into a school, twelve enthusiastic teachers gathered in Narooma with foundation Principal Kate Jones, Parish Priest Fr John Woods, and Sr Anne Hagan of the Good Samaritan Sisters. Together, they began planning the curriculum and policies that would shape the future of St Clare of Assisi Primary School.

Fr Kevin Barry-Cotter, Vicar for Education, captured the spirit of this new beginning in a letter to Fr John Woods:

“Your parish is now breaking new ground in having two primary schools, not in a parent-child, but in a brother-sister relationship, modelling on that of Francis and Clare.” Fittingly, 1993 also marked the 800th anniversary of St Clare’s birth.

Classes commenced on 1 February 1994 with 218 students and twelve staff. Over the years, the school has grown to welcome more than 700 students across 28 classes, supported by approximately 50 staff members. Leadership has been guided by Principals Helen Casey, Mary Mathias, Greg Walker, Rachel Smith, Brad Gaynor, and currently, Matt Egan-Richards, who has served since 2018.

Throughout our journey, the charism and spirituality of St Clare of Assisi continue to inspire our mission. Her legacy of faith, courage, and compassion remains at the heart of our school as we educate the next generation.