By Jenel Hunt
A $1.6 million conversion project of the 40-year-old Edward Prince House at Warwick Christian College was formally opened last week (19 May).
The event was attended by Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud and Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi. Presiding over the proceedings was college principal Jason Gay while Christian Community Ministries CEO John Lyndon had the distinction of cutting the blue satin ribbon that was stretched across the entranceway.
Also there were Rose City Presbyterian Church minister David Bailey who led the prayer, past student association representatives Leigh Nisbet and Joan White, the original architect John Deshon and his wife Gwenyth Yuill, David Brailey, who had the vision for a Christian school and Owen Bonney, who was the college’s first head teacher and helped bring the vision to fruition. These two men were founding members of the Warwick Christian College. The school’s junior choir provided the musical entertainment and the official opening was followed by a tour of the building.
M Block, as the building is now known, was funded with $1 million from the Christian Community Ministries and the college and $600,000 from the Queensland Government’s State Capital Grants Assistance Scheme. Alpha Architects were in charge of the design and Taddio Builders undertook the work.
Principal Mr Gay said the building’s conversion showed how much the school valued its students.
“Our vision is that all students are known by name, valued and inspired. This building represents the value we place on you, the students. We value you so much we have invested $1.6 million in state-of-the-art classrooms that are comfortable spaces and demonstrate practicality, love and care.
“This building was not demolished. It was reborn, which is entirely appropriate for a Christian school.”
Mr Lyndon of CCM addressed often voiced criticism of private schools receiving government funding.
“Often you hear people say you should close independent schools down because they are taking money away from State schools. The combined expenditure in State schools in 2020 [the latest available figures] by State and Federal Government was $19,932 per student. The combined expenditure of governments for independent schools is $13,417 per student, which means that the State and Federal Governments save $6,500 per student. When you include the other contributions we make – like the $1 million for this project – that’s another saving.“
The transformation has brought significant improvements to the school’s learning environment. The project successfully repurposed a historically used dormitory building a new classroom precinct.
On the ground floor is a room filled with colourful lockers and another room of gym equipment. Upstairs are three spacious classrooms and amenities. An elevator has been added plus more than 100m of covered walkway so students with mobility challenges have equal access to education, enabling them to navigate the building easily.
One of the more exciting additions has been a dedicated classroom for Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, including Aviation and Business. The room is equipped with specialised resources and equipment including drones for use within the aviation classes.
