By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
IT WAS a matter of new beginnings for Maranatha Christian College this week.
The school welcomed its new principal Roderick Crouch to the role on Monday while also unveiling a new $780,000 administration building at the college’s Endeavour Hills campus.
Dr Crouch officially took over the school two weeks ago after a three-year tenure in the United Arab Emirates as principal of Victoria International School of Sharjah.
“It’s funny how doors open in life, my wife and I were looking for an opportunity to move here. I applied and I was appointed,” he said.
“Taking on the opportunity is both stimulating and challenging, but I felt very strongly that this is where I want to be.”
Maranatha students and staff alike gathered on Monday for the opening of the school’s new administration building, aided by a $320,000 Commonwealth Government grant.
Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani also attended the opening to help welcome the school’s two new additions.
“It’s absolutely crucial to provide high levels of communication to staff, students and parents,” Dr Crouch said of the new administration building.
“We live in such a digital age and the new facility allows us better access to Wi-Fi across the school – anytime, anywhere access.
“We had a very old building, it was more like a rabbit warren. We were able to demolish that and replace it with a better facility
“An improved administration facility leads to improved student outcomes, otherwise teachers are chasing their tails.”
As principal Dr Crouch will oversee all three Maranatha campuses, and will be based at Endeavour Hills.
“Even though I am still getting to know the students, I have been overwhelmed by their initiative and achievements across the campuses; it’s a real testament to the values our school imparts on tomorrow’s leaders,” Dr Crouch said.
“Now no longer cramped in the original administration building that was built over 30 years ago, the completion of this new building means our staff and students have more opportunities to expand their learning and community participation than ever before.”
