Our History

The vision for Devonport Christian School was first conceived by the Devonport Christian Parent-Controlled School Association in 1987. After many years of hard work to realise this vision, in 1992 Devonport Christian School opened its doors with two terrapin buildings in the Devonport Reformed Church in Nicholls Street. With just 27 students in two classrooms (Prep, Grades 1 and 2 in one and Grades 3,4,5 and 6 in the other), Principal Kees van Niekerk and teacher Michelle Pinxt worked hard to ensure the school’s inaugural students received a full and enriching educational program. In 1994, steady growth resulted in the purchase of land in Jiloa Way, Don and by February 1995 building works were completed and students were welcomed to our new campus.

The past 20 years have seen continual growth and development for Devonport Christian School including the decision to add a Kinder class and the construction of F and C Block. In 2009 we received the Federal Government BER Grant which led to the construction of D Block and the eventual dismantling of our original terrapin classrooms which were no longer required. In 2012, E Block was erected bringing our total number of classrooms to 8, along with a purpose built Learning Support and Extension Unit and a Canteen. In 2013, we finalised the upgrade and extension of our Administration Block to what it is today.

During the last two decades there wasn’t just building and construction but also continual improvements made to the school grounds, including the installation of a watering system on the oval, new playground equipment, shade sails and outdoor eating areas, and the construction of a purpose-built maintenance shed.

January 2017 saw the completion of the new Lapthorne Close entrance complete with a new one-way entry that allows increased parent, visitor and staff parking as well as a convenient undercover student drop-off/pickup area.

In 2018 we commenced development on a new multipurpose facility which incorporated an undercover play space, canteen, toilets, offices, storage and a large multipurpose room. This building was completed in 2019.

It has been truly inspiring to witness the progress and development of Devonport Christian School from two terrapin classrooms with just 27 students into the thriving and ever-growing campus and school it is today. The future for Devonport Christian School continues to look productive and favourable and we are so excited for what is to come.

In 2020 our extraordinary Alpha HQ – STEM Centre was completed allowing for contemporary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to be a central focus of learning for all our students. this continues with our commitment to see high levels of achievement in our students. With increased sustainable growth of enrolments comes an exciting time in 2021 to build a new Year 5/6 Learning Centre for our upper school.

Devonport continues to grow, with our Board stepping out in faith in 2023 and commencing Secondary with two Year 7 classes. Our new purpose-built Secondary building was completed in time for students to commence the year in their own classrooms. We are excited to be building the future and continuing to provide for our current students by offering the continuation of faith and deep learning that is already a part of their primary school years.