CARDIJN COLLEGE
Our Story
Cardijn College has been at the heart of Catholic education in the south for more than 40 years.
The College was established in 1984 as a joint project between the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools and the Catholic parishes of Noarlunga Downs, Willunga and Morphett Vale. Its first Principal, Brother Walter Smith, was appointed in 1983 to lead the College and oversee the building development.
From little things, big things grow
Today Cardijn College is a vibrant community across three campuses with a total enrolment 2500 students enrolled and over 350 staff members.
History of Cardijn
1983
Proposed Cardijn College site
In 1983, the dreams and visions for this nearly empty plot of land were being shared amongst a gathering of our Cardijn College pioneers.
This open space, a blank canvas, where these visionaries shared ideas not just for a school, but for a place where learning and faith meets community. Those founders planted the seeds that have grown into the thriving Cardijn community we know and love today.
1984
The First Day
Despite initial challenges, the College opened its doors on 7 February, 1984, with 103 students (44 girls and 57 boys), marking the beginning of its journey.
During our first assembly on Tuesday, 7 February 1984, students and staff were joined by a number of people who had played an important part in the establishment of Cardijn.
Brother Walter expressed gratitude for the support from parents, staff, and the broader community, acknowledging their faith and courage in choosing to be part of the new institution.
1984
The Completion of Stage 1
Stage 1 consisted of the Library Resource Centre, two classrooms and an Art-Technology Centre.
1985
The Completion of Stage 2
Stage 2 consisted of the home economics area, drama space, and additional classrooms.
In 1985 the Romero building was developed which consisted of six classrooms, Home Economics Centre, drama space and change rooms for Physical Education.
1986
The Completion of Stage 3
Completion of Stage 3 including the science laboratory block, a canteen, and a sports oval.
1988
The Completion of Stage 4
In 1988, the administration building and business education centre was completed.
While these first five years of the College history were marked with building development, it also included the establishment of its outstanding academic programs and pastoral care. Cardijn had an innovative vision for curriculum delivery with a vertical timetable which enabled students to be accelerated in their learning.
Brother Smith completed his tenure as Principal in 1988 in order to pursue missionary work in Pakistan.
By now, our student community had grown to 900 students.
1989
The Completion of Stage 5
Completion of Stage 5, now known as Lombard. Official Blessing of Stages 4 & 5
1990
The completion of Stage 6
A two-storey building; comprising of classrooms, offices, a 168 seat lecture theatre, and the Marist Centre.
Stage 6 is now commonly referred to as the Chisholm and Mackillop building.
1990
Establishment of the Cardijn College House System
This was an exciting time for Cardijn, as five houses were established to group the students: Blue House, Green House, Red House, Gold House, and White House.
Only known by colour, it wasn’t until 1991 that the houses were named after significant patrons of the Catholic Church: Chisholm for Blue, Kolbe for Green, Lombard for Red, MacKillop for Gold, and Romero for White.
1992
Introduction to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
SACE was introduced in 1992, and the school moved from strength to strength in all areas of academic pursuit and co-curricular activity.
2001
Addition of new entrance signage, and a loop
drop-off zone
2003
Establishment of the Joseph Cardijn Centre
and an updated administration building
2010
Faulkner and Mitchell were introduced to the Cardijn College House System
As enrolments increased, so did the need for two additional houses. Faulkner, the Orange House, and Mitchell, the Purple House, were added in 2010.
2011
Official opening of the Language Learning Centre
2014
30 Year Anniversary Whole School Photo
2014
Addition of the Brother Walter Smith Resource Centre
2015
Opening of the Music Centre
2016
Integration of Marcellin Technical College
2019
First Year 7 Students
The beginning of the 2019 school year marked a historic moment, as the first intake of Year 7 students began their high school journey in Catholic Education in South Australia.
Cardijn welcomed a cohort of 216 Year 7 students. These students were joined by 204 Year 8 students for their first year of high school.
2019 also saw the introduction of a new curriculum for the Year 7s, which comprised of four key subjects delivered to the students: Future Thinking, Global Perspectives, Health Lifestyles, and Languages.
2020
Addition of the Food Technology Centre and Commercial Kitchen.
2021
Amalgamation with Galilee Catholic School
2022
Chavoin was introduced to the College House System
2022
Opening of the Chavoin-Kolbe building
2026
Opening of the Le Rosey building
History of Cardijn’s Principals
Brother Walter Smith
1983 – 1988
In 1983, Brother Walter Smith, a Marist Brother, was appointed as the inaugural principal of Cardijn College. He played a pivotal role in establishing the College’s identity, collaborating with the interim board to propose the name ‘Cardijn College’—a tribute to Cardinal Joseph Cardijn and the influential Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement, which had a significant presence in Adelaide’s parishes.
Brother Walter is remembered as a pioneering leader who oversaw the College’s initial development.
In the 1988 Cardijn College Yearbook, he fondly recalled his first visit to the site in 1983: “It was a wet winter in 1983… the earth-moving equipment had attacked its task with joy and abandon… a sea of mud… I had my doubts.”
After completing his tenure in 1988, Brother Walter Smith pursued missionary work in Pakistan, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.
Mr Jeff Croser
1989 – 1993
Mr. Jeff Croser was appointed Principal in 1989, having previously served as Deputy Principal since the College’s inception.
During the subsequent five years, the College experienced significant consolidation of its academic and pastoral care programs. Mr. Croser introduced a vertical House system for pastoral care, a structure that remains a hallmark of the school today.
In 1992, the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) was introduced, marking a period of continued growth in academic excellence and co-curricular involvement.
Mr. Croser concluded his tenure at Cardijn at the end of 1993, following his appointment as Principal of Cabra Dominican College.
Mr Viano Jaksa
1994 – 1999
Mr Viano Jaksa was appointed as Principal in 1994 and developed a bold plan to make Cardijn an Information Technology focussed school.
During this time Cardijn became a regional focus school for IT, providing a range of services to regional Catholic school communities including IT support and internet service access.
Mr Jaksa also began a review of the College, which culminated in the development of a Futures Plan in 1997.
Mr Jaksa completed his tenure at Cardijn in 1999 following his appointment as a consultant at the Catholic Education Office.
Brother John Pill
1999 – 2000
Brother John Pill, Principal of St Michael’s College, was seconded as Principal from 1999-2000.
Brother Pill introduced a range of changes to the organisational structure of the school. Subject coordinators were reorganised into a team of Learning Area coordinators. The five House leaders were designated as student development coordinators.
“I think I gained more than I gave and that might sound a bit trite and something everybody says buy I took a big plunge really. I have to say – it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Mr Michael Dahl
2000 – 2004
Mr Michael Dahl, former Principal of St John’s College, Whyalla, was appointed Principal of Cardijn in 2000.
Mr Dahl’s focus was in the area of improving the College infrastructure. He began with a large-scale plan of improvements and much needed maintenance.
In addition, he proceeded with the development of the College Gymnasium, redevelopment of the Administration area and the College entrance and roundabout.These developments were officially completed in 2003.
Mr Dahl also began a review of College administrative procedures and marketing strategy. Mr Dahl completed his tenure at Cardijn College in 2004 following his appointment as Principal Consultant at the Catholic Education Office.
Dr Paul Rijken
2005 – 2022
Dr Paul Rijken was appointed Principal of Cardijn College in 2005.
He was the Deputy Principal of St Aloysius College, Adelaide. He is a founding teacher of Cardijn College and began his teaching duties as the Physical Education Coordinator on the very first day in 1984.
Dr Rijken taught at Cardijn College for 13 years before accepting his appointment at St Aloysius College, then returning to Cardijn in the role of Principal in 2005.
Dr Rijken retired at the end of Term 2, 2022.
Mr Steve Byrne
2023 – Current
Mr. Steve Byrne commenced his role as Principal of Cardijn College at the beginning of 2023.
A highly experienced leader in Catholic education in South Australia, Mr. Byrne has a strong grounding in the Marist tradition. Prior to joining Cardijn College, he spent over a decade in senior leadership roles at prominent Catholic schools, including serving as Principal of St Michael’s College (2005–2012) and leading Sacred Heart College (2013–2022).
Since joining Cardijn College, Mr. Byrne has been instrumental in ushering in the new name for the Noarlunga Downs campus, now known as Marian. He has also initiated strategies to further improve educational programs and enhance learning environments across the College’s three campuses, following a period of rapid enrolment growth.
Additionally, Mr. Byrne has led a comprehensive review and refinement of the College’s pastoral, curriculum, and operational structures and procedures.
R – 9
GALILEE
ALDINGA
At Cardijn College Galilee in Aldinga, we offer education from Reception to Year 9, creating a nurturing environment where each student feels a unique sense of belonging. This campus is known for its focus on ecological awareness and community involvement.
7 – 12
MARIAN
NOARLUNGA DOWNS
Cardijn College Marian, located in Noarlunga Downs, educates students from Years 7 to 12. It is celebrated for its comprehensive curriculum and vibrant extra-curricular program that caters to a diverse student body, providing varied learning pathways that meet individual needs and aspirations.
10 – 12
MARCELLIN
CHRISTIE DOWNS
Cardijn College Marcellin in Christie Downs is focused on providing extensive vocational education and training opportunities for students in Years 10 to 12 and beyond. Our strong industry partnerships help extend relationships into our students’ future careers, offering real-world experiences that are second to none.