By Melissa Coleman
More than 100 students, staff, family and the local community were present to witness the opening of the new Administration Building, the Rice Early Years Building and the McAuley Learning Hub at St Mary’s School on Monday 14 November.
During the official opening Bishop Robert McGuckin presided over prayers and blessed not only the new buildings, but the student cohort, parents, and teachers.
The development project was delivered with support from the Australian Government funding of $4,433,962 through the Capital Grants Program, and to support student education outcomes.
The massive project delivered a new two-storey building which comprised of general learning areas, a multipurpose room, a covered eating area, verandahs, a disability access lift and student amenities.
The project also included the conversion of the old Parish Centre into a new administration area.
Some of the dignitaries who took part in the afternoon included Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm who had the honour of opening one of the buildings, James Lister State member for the Southern Downs, Councillor McNally, Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Dr Patrick Coghlan, Senior Education Leader Mr Savage, Mr Wayne Kerry, and representatives of Aspect Architecture and Hutchinson Builders.
The guests enjoyed performances from the students and a tour of the new buildings.
The new facilities will provide school staff, teachers and students at St Mary’s School with more modern spaces in which to teach and learn.
Assistant Minister Chisholm said the new facilities would benefit the students currently at St Mary’s School, as well as the many students who will follow in future years.
“The teachers, staff and students at St Mary’s School have built a strong and positive school community and these new facilities will further enhance our local educational opportunities,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
“Our Government strongly believes in providing the best possible resources so that local students can realise their potential and develop the skills they need to go on to further study or to find a job.”
