College to close in 2008

Published: 23 July 2006

MARIST College, Rosalie is to close at the end of 2008.

The announcement to close the secondary boys' college in Brisbane's inner west was made to staff at the end of school on July 12 and students were informed when they arrived for classes on July 13.

The college has been fighting for survival following several years of falling enrolments. It has 211 students.

The decision to close the college came after extensive consultation culminating in a recommendation by the Brisbane Catholic Education Council to Archbishop John Bathersby.

The recommendation, by a six-member working party, was accepted by the archbishop and supported by the Marist Brothers, who formerly ran the school.

Making the announcement, Brisbane Catholic Education Council chair, Good Samaritan Sister Mary McDonald, said for many years they, along with college staff and the Marist Brothers, had been trying to boost enrolments.

She said enrolments were seen as insufficient to ensure students receive the resources required to guarantee a quality education.

"In addition, it was unsustainable to continue to top the school up for at least five years with significant financial assistance just to keep it open," she said.

Sr McDonald said staff from Brisbane Catholic Education would work with the college's leadership to provide assistance and support to students, staff and others in the Rosalie community.