Grand opening for new learning centre

Parish priest Father Janeesh Jose, past principal Paul Desmond, Officer campus captains Pearl Saini and Nik Dhamis, Diocese board director Fr Jeff Kleynjans, principal Vincent Feeney and director of Catholic education Paul Velten. Picture: SUPPLIED

Staff and students at St Francis Xavier College’s Officer campus celebrated the blessing and official opening of a state-of-the-art Flexible Learning Centre.

Parish Priest father Janeesh Jose joined by Diocese of Sale director of Catholic education Paul Velten, principal Vincent Feeney, board directors and friends of the school, parish and local community.

The group hosted the ceremony to bless and officially open the $12.3m Stage 3A project at the Officer campus, which included a two-storey complex holding 16 general learning areas, break-out spaces, study booths, staff and student amenities and an outdoor learning area, as well as unveil a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

St Francis Xavier College principal Vincent Feeney said the new building and outdoor learning area had already made a significant impact to the school community.

“The project has not only expanded the capacity to accommodate more students now and into the future, but also enhanced the learning and teaching environment for both staff and students,” he said.

“A feature of the building is the hexagonal design which promotes connections and collaboration between internal spaces, creating light-filled learning areas that can be easily adapted to suit a range of teaching and learning.

“Additionally, the incorporation of audio-visual technology in all learning spaces offers multiple presentation options, including multiple screens with wireless capabilities, whiteboards, and glass surfaces for interactive learning.”

Diocese of Sale director of Catholic education Paul Velten said the new facilities represented Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities.

“It is wonderful to see the way staff and students are flourishing in the new learning centre,” he said.

“May this new facility continue to inspire faith and inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.”

The Stage 3A building project was self-funded and is part of the school’s masterplan to meet the needs of the growing school community now and into the future.