The development was officially blessed by Fr Andrew Doohan, Vicar-General of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and opened by Senator Jim Molan, Acting Director of Schools, Gerard Mowbray, and Principal Grant Diggins.

The opening was followed by school tours of the new development and a morning tea.

The architectural design of Stage 2 incorporates flexible learning spaces to provide stimulating and adaptable learning environments that bring the outdoors in. Classrooms are connected to the outside using flexible walls and feature flexible furniture, the latest technology and purpose-built learning common rooms and withdrawal rooms.

The new facilities include:

• a new administration block;
• a two-storey building with ten classrooms and three Learning Commons for Year 1, 3 and 4 students;
• the refurbished administration building and the transferring of it into a new learning hub/library
• additional play spaces and equipment and
• the duplication of the staff car park as well as associated landscaping.

“Although the heartbeat of our school is the children, staff and families, our wonderful, state-of-the- art facilities, provide students with purpose built 21^st century flexible learning and play spaces that are second to none,” said Grant during the opening ceremony.

“The buildings have been designed around a central courtyard and playground that provides a sense of community. The new play equipment and spaces promote imagination, curiosity, exploration, interaction, fun and wellbeing.

“Together, these new Stage 2 buildings and play spaces enhance our already unique and outstanding facilities.”

From the beginning of 2019, the school will move to a three-stream school and cater for Kindergarten to Year 6, with 21 classes and an anticipated 570 students.

Photography by Emily Wilson and Ellie Johnson.

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