St Bernard’s Primary School in Upper Mount Gravatt is currently renovating the existing Penola building. The redesigned facility will feature two new dedicated Prep classrooms and three new Year 1 and 2 classrooms, all tailored to support a variety of learning styles and social interactions.
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While builders carry out the work, the school’s youngest learners have been visiting the site in high-vis vests and hard hats to watch progress on the spaces that will become their classrooms. The renovation is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 Prep cohort.
Principal Daniel Hodge said the project was developed with student needs in mind. “The school leadership team worked closely with architects to ensure the new environment is both contemporary and inspiring,” Mr Hodge said. “The classrooms have been thoughtfully planned with flexibility and wellbeing in mind, incorporating natural light, smart storage solutions and dedicated sensory corners to support everything from small group learning to imaginative play.”
The redevelopment refocuses the former Prep building to provide flexible learning spaces for early years students. A central corridor will serve as a hub for creativity and collaboration and will include tiered seating, informal gathering zones and quiet reading nooks. According to the school, these features are intended to give teachers adaptable areas for group and independent activities.
“The design of the building is focused on encouraging our early learning students to engage, explore and connect in meaningful ways,” Mr Hodge said. He added that the new spaces are designed to support early learning educators to adapt environments for diverse teaching approaches. “This will provide the critical foundation for students to start their successful academic journey, incorporating a play-based and curriculum-focused learning experience,” he said.
The works include a refreshed façade and roof. The school says these upgrades will improve comfort and energy efficiency for the building. The Penola project complements recent improvements elsewhere on the Upper Mount Gravatt campus, which include a revitalised Early Learning playground with an in-ground trampoline, new amenities, and refreshed library and classroom spaces within the Administration building.
As the building work continues, staff, students and families have been engaged with the project through on-site visits and school communications. The redevelopment is intended to deliver purpose-built learning spaces for the school’s youngest cohorts and align with the school’s approach to early learning.
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For families wanting further details about the school or enrolment, St Bernard’s provides enrolment information and a visit-booking process on its website.
Published 6-November-2025
