“I thank the foundation principal, Sandro Coniglio, foundation staff, school advisory council, the local community and other volunteers for their support in the lead up to the opening of Emmaus Catholic Primary School,” Mr Bull said.

“I wish the foundation students and staff of Emmaus all the best for the year ahead.

“They will all have a special place in the school’s history and no matter where the road leads from here they will always be a part of the Catholic education family,” he said.

The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth reflected on his hope for students and families who choose to invest in Emmaus.

“(In the Gospel reading, we see themes of) transforming discouragement into hope, sadness into joy, failure into success and fear into courage: these are exactly the aims that this school, through its principal and its dedicated staff, hopes to achieve for every student in this school and for every family which chooses to send its children to this school.”

Principal Sandro Coniglio, on behalf of all 20 staff members said he is thrilled to be welcoming the foundation cohort of students to Emmaus.

“We have been working hard, with support from the local community and, Catholic Education WA to ensure the school is ready for the start of this exciting chapter.”

Mr Bull and Catholic Education Commission WA Chair, Ms Eva Skira AM, together with Sandro Coniglio Emmaus CPS Principal and Loretta Hackner, Deputy Principal were joined by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Episcopal Vicar, Education and Faith Formation, Fr Bonaventure Echeta, Ellenbrook Parish Priest, representing the Archdiocese of Perth.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were WA Education Minister the Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, WA Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, the Hon Rita Saffioti, City of Swan Lord Mayor David Lucas.

For further information about the school and to enquire about future enrolments visit www.emmaus.wa.edu.au