Our Story

Early Vision

The original vision for a Catholic secondary teachers’ college dates back to the 1990s. The Church, recognising the urgent need for more secondary teachers to support Papua New Guinea’s expanding education system, proposed developing a training program at St Benedict’s Primary Teachers’ College, Kaindi, in Wewak, East Sepik Province.

The plan was to complement the work of Goroka Teachers’ College by offering secondary teacher education, with each Catholic college specialising in certain subject areas. Although the idea was ambitious, curriculum reforms led by the National Department of Education at the time meant the initiative was eventually shelved.

Renewed Beginnings in Ulapia

The dream was reignited during the 2011 Catholic Education Convention at Divine Word University. This time, the Church specifically identified a need to train teachers in Religious Education, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — critical subject areas where national shortages persisted. In 2012, with approval from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands, the site for the new college was chosen: St Peter Chanel Minor Seminary at Ulapia, East New Britain Province.

Planning and Development

Throughout 2012 and 2013, a dedicated Governing Council, chaired by Br Julian McDonald, led planning efforts. Infrastructure was renovated and expanded under the leadership of Br Bernie Gartland, and a team of educational leaders, including Dr Catherine Nongkas, Dr Paul Pasingan, and Dr Alfred Tivinarlik, shaped the academic programs and governance structures.

Launching the Academic Program

In 2014, under the leadership of the first CEO, Mr John Maidang, Chanel Catholic College officially welcomed its first intake of 75 students from across the New Guinea Islands region. The College focused on providing a strong academic and spiritual formation, with students specialising in Mathematics, Sciences, and Religious Education — all areas critical to national development.

The College faced the typical challenges of a new institution, with graduation rates gradually improving as academic and support systems strengthened. In 2017, the College celebrated its first graduating class, awarding diplomas to 36 pioneering students.

Growth and National Recognition

In 2016, Chanel Catholic College received formal Institutional Accreditation from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), recognising its standards of quality education.

In 2017, the College was declared a national institution under the Education Act, with teaching staff employed through the Teaching Service Commission — a milestone that further boosted recruitment and stability.

From humble beginnings, student enrolments and staff numbers steadily grew, reflecting the College’s strengthening reputation for excellence.

A vital figure in the College’s growth is His Excellency Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB, whose vision and pastoral support have helped shape the spirit of the College.

Each incoming class is named to reflect a virtue or mission, such as the “Pioneers,” “Cornerstones,” “Builders,” “Dreamers,” and “Peacemakers,” inspiring students to live their faith and serve their communities with purpose and passion.

Today, Chanel Catholic College stands proud as a beacon of faith, resilience, and academic excellence — preparing dedicated teachers to meet the needs of Papua New Guinea’s youth and to live out the call to “set out into the deep” (Duc in Altum).