Building plans are already well underway for the new Catholic primary school, which opens next year, but Ms Brewer is inspired by what she can build inside the walls and in the yard.

This is Ms Brewer’s first time to create a school, as principal, from scratch.

“It is such a fabulous opportunity to be part of establishing a new school – that sort of chance doesn’t happen very often,” Ms Brewer said. “Visiting here and seeing the plans starts making it feel real. Drawings at the moment are real exciting.”

The new Catholic primary school in Lucas will feature wetlands to transform water run-off, classrooms circling an open garden area and surrounded by sporting fields. Ms Brewer said there were great sustainability options and places, like the wetlands, for children to experience first hand in their own yard the things they were learning.

Ms Brewer officially starts her role as principal for the school in July. She will transfer from her principal role at Lumen Christi Primary School in the La Trobe Valley.

A mid-week meeting was a chance for Ms Brewer to meet families for the first time. About 70 people attended a community information evening about the school at Ballarat Community Health. This was also a chance for prospective families to meet Ms Brewer and her passion for Ballarat, where she has lived for university studies.

“My husband and I always planned top move to Ballarat when we were old and retired,” Ms Brewer told The Courier. “But it has happened earlier. Ballarat has all the advantages of a city, but it’s still got that country feel, too. Live here, and you get the best of both worlds.”

Ms Brewer has been impressed with the Lucas suburb development as a family-friendly area with a tilt towards the city’s heritage.

Emmaus Catholic Primary School foundation principal Brendan Maher also addressed prospective families on his experience with starting the successful Mount Clear campus. Father Justin Driscoll confirmed ongoing community talks to determine the school name, charism and learning values.