Case study
Serving a fast-expanding section of Melbourne’s south-west, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary is a Prep to Year 6 institution that has seen its numbers climb steadily. When it opened in 2021 there were 127 students; by June 2026, enrolment had topped 450. To sustain such growth, the school called for technology and replacement planning that would not place an undue operational load on its staff.
Education Advantage has been with St Joseph’s from day one. The objective was to ensure the school’s technology could grow alongside its operations, not just meet the needs of the present. EA’s technicians put in regular time on site to get to know the daily rhythms and the systems, while discussions with the leadership team allowed for some forward thinking on infrastructure and the financials.
A new school changes quickly. The support model had to solve today's issues without losing sight of the next intake, the next stage of infrastructure and the next budget cycle.
The two teams have put in place a staged approach to technology replacement and support. EA has assisted with device acquisition in a way that aligns with long-term budgeting, and put in place a buyback option for older hardware. An annual support allocation provides the school with certainty on costs, yet leaves room for extra hours if the situation calls for it. There are fortnightly visits from the technician and a helpdesk on hand for any matters in between.
Their ability to provide both immediate solutions and long-term advice has significantly reduced the burden on school staff.
St Joseph’s says this model has been a saving in both time and money. What is evident is a more reliable and fit-for-purpose technology environment, as the student body has more than tripled. For a new school of this size, the partnership has covered all bases: from the helpdesk query of the moment to the infrastructure demands of expansion and the affordability of future replacements.
In short, it has let the staff focus less on IT coordination and more on a community that is much larger than when they started.
leadershipMother of God School in Ardeer is a Catholic primary for Prep to Year 6 students. As a small school, it prides itself on the Brigidine values of justice and inclusion; you’ll find families of all faiths among its ranks, and the administration views that mix as an asset. The school makes a point of getting to know every
leadershipAt Our Lady Star of the Sea, the student is put front and centre. The school’s method is to build agency and collaboration so that pupils can be active, critical citizens in a world driven by technology. But for that to work, the technology has to be sound and dependable; it cannot be a source of administrative hassle
leadershipHaving the right people and infrastructure in place has been key to restoring confidence at St John the Apostle. As a Prep to Year 6 Catholic primary school in Tarneit West, the institution is guided by its values of relationship, community, outreach, learning and celebration. Where wellbeing and good relationships are
leadershipSince its opening in 2015, St Paul the Apostle has been serving Prep to Year 6 in Doreen. The school prides itself on being an inclusive and innovative place with a welcoming atmosphere. There is a strong Culture of Thinking here, underpinned by a curriculum that is as rigorous as it is relevant.
leadershipSt Robert’s is a Catholic primary school in the Geelong suburb of Newtown, serving students from Prep through to Year 6. An institution with an inclusive community ethos that goes back to 1942, the school prides itself on knowing and valuing each child. There is also a firm dedication to digital learning and STEM, yet
leadershipLocated on the Surf Coast in a semi-rural environment, St Therese is a Catholic primary school for Prep to Year 6 students that caters to families from Torquay, Jan Juc and Anglesea. It prides itself on being a friendly and supportive community where young people are encouraged to inquire, discover and grow.
