St Bernard’s Primary School in Mt Gravatt has opened brand new facilities for its youngest students, with five redesigned classrooms ready to welcome Prep through Year 2 learners as the 2026 school year begins.
The renovated Penola building features two dedicated Prep classrooms and three Year 1 and 2 classrooms, marking a significant upgrade to early learning spaces at the Upper Mt Gravatt Catholic primary school. Current students donned high-vis vests and hard hats to inspect the construction site before their future classmates arrive.
Flexible Spaces for Different Learning Styles
St Bernard’s worked with architects to create classrooms that support how young children learn. The new spaces incorporate natural light, smart storage and dedicated sensory corners where students can regulate their energy levels.
Principal Daniel Hodge says the design prioritises flexibility. Teachers can adapt environments to suit different teaching approaches, from small group instruction to play-based learning. The layout supports both structured curriculum work and imaginative activities.
The building’s central corridor functions as more than a hallway. St Bernard’s designed this space with tiered seating for group activities, informal gathering zones and quiet reading nooks, encouraging students to engage beyond formal classroom time.
What This Means for Mt Gravatt Families
The St Bernard’s renovation gives Mt Gravatt families another option for early childhood education in purpose-built facilities. The focus on Prep through Year 2 recognises these years establish patterns that influence later academic success.
For families already enrolled at St Bernard’s, the new classrooms mean younger siblings will experience significantly upgraded facilities compared to what older children knew. The building transformation demonstrates ongoing investment in campus infrastructure rather than one-time improvements.
The sensory corners and flexible learning zones particularly benefit students who struggle in traditional classroom settings. Having dedicated spaces for different energy levels and learning styles can make the difference between students who thrive and those who merely cope.
Visit St Bernard’s Primary School for enrolment information.
Published 27-January-2026.
