ST PATRICK’S Primary School Pyramid Hill will close.
Declining enrolments at the school opened in 1956 as a memorial to the residents who were killed in World War Two triggered the decision by Catholic Education Sandhurst.
Parents and staff were told last Wednesday that doors will close for the last time when the school year ends in December.
The State Government, local MPs and Loddon Shire were also informed of the decision.
The school has a current enrolment of 12 students with most from Pyramid Hill’s Filipino community.
Education Minister Ben Carroll, in Wedderburn as the announcement was made, said his department would work with Catholic Education Australia to ensure families at St Patrick’s had access to the education they wanted, either in the Catholic or government systems.
Catholic Education Sandhurst executive director Kate Fogarty told parents the decision to close St Patrick’s had been difficult.
“I can assure you that this decision was not taken lightly by the CESL Board and was made after much deliberation and community consultation.
“Over many years the declining enrolment numbers have made it increasingly difficult for the school to remain operational,” Ms Fogarty said.
“Low demographic growth projections for the region have further undermined the viability of the school, and we believe that as difficult as it is, this is the best decision for the Pyramid Hill community.”
Ms Fogarty said Catholic Education staff would support families in transition to their preferred school choice for 2025. 
“The town is fortunate to have Pyramid Hill College which is a Foundation - 10 facility, and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Cohuna is connected by a daily bus service should families choose to keep their children in the Catholic system.
“Similarly, the staff of St Patrick’s are being fully supported to understand their career options,
including identification of alternative employment opportunities within Sandhurst Catholic Schools.”
She said principal John O’Connor, who took up the role in 2022, and the staff had been “exceptional teachers and leaders for the children, and the St Patrick’s community more broadly.” 
“I acknowledge the Sisters of St Joseph who established St Patrick’s School in 1956, and who served the community for 20 years before the first lay principal was appointed in 1977,” she said. 
“There have also been a number of principals and parish priests who have contributed greatly to the school community.  
“I understand that this news will be unsettling. 
Over the past 68 years many people will have formed strong associations with St Patrick’s School, and we are committed to finding an appropriate way to honour and celebrate the history of the school later this year,” Ms Fogarty said.