A Blessing on the Sand
The Revd Peter Laurence OAM CEO, AngliSchools
On a vast sandy paddock in the heart of Yanchep Junction, AngliSchools recently marked the beginning of something significant: the blessing of the site (or should I say ‘sandpit’) where we are building St Matthew’s Anglican School, the 17th AngliSchool, set to open in 2027.
Yanchep takes its name from Yanget, a Noongar word for the bullrushes that grow in the wetlands of Yanchep National Park. This land has long been a meeting place for the Whadjuk and Yued peoples of the Noongar Nation, who have cared for this Boodja (‘Country’) for thousands of years. It was fitting that the morning began with a smoking ceremony led by Mr Ash (Garlett) Penfold, acknowledging the deep history and custodianship of the land on which the School will one day stand.
Smoking ceremony led by Mr Ash (Garlett) Penfold
L-R: Mr Adrian Pree, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO DD, Mrs Lynne Thomson, and The Reverend Dr Eleanor O’Donnell
The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO DD blessed the site and led the official breaking of ground, marking the formal commencement of the School’s journey.
In her homily, Archbishop Kay captured the occasion with these words:
‘Years from now, people will point back to this moment and say: this is where it began. Not just with concrete and steel, but with prayer; not just with ambition, but with trust; not just with plans, but with the love of God at the centre.’
Under the leadership of Executive Principal Mr Adrian Pree, St Matthew’s Anglican School will be a place where every student is known, valued and supported to thrive. Shaped by AngliSchools values of Faith, Inclusion, Respect and Excellence (FIRE), students will be encouraged to think deeply, act with integrity and care for others. Belonging, respect and a strong sense of purpose will sit at the heart of school life, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of the future and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
St Matthew’s will have a close partnership with St James’ Anglican School at Alkimos, which is also led by Mr Pree. As the newest AngliSchool, St Matthew’s will draw on established expertise, staffing and resources at St James’ to ensure a strong and confident foundation.
From 2027, St Matthew’s will offer Kindergarten to Year 6, expanding progressively to Year 12 by 2033. When fully established, enrolments are projected to exceed 1,200 students.
As we ‘go to press’, construction of Stage One of St Matthew’s has just begun. On that wide sandy expanse in Yanchep, the outlines of future buildings may not yet be visible, but the foundations have been laid. As Archbishop Kay reminded those gathered, what begins in prayer and trust will shape generations to come.
The School Motto ‘Learn from me’ is derived from the words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30)
For AngliSchools, St Matthew’s represents not just growth, but the continued unfolding of our shared mission for Anglican education to shape young lives in the way of Christ.