By Ethan Benedicto
Celebrating education has always been an important part of Victoria, as such is the case with Crest Education’s new senior learning precinct in Clyde North.
While the two new buildings have been operational in the last few months, Tuesday 18 March marked the official opening, with Senator of Victoria Jess Walsh also in attendance.
She added that work on the development projects was delivered with the support of the Federal Government, with the funding of $2.3 million through the Capital Grants Program.
CREST, which stands for the centres for research, education, service and transformation, is the combination of four districts; Hillcrest Christian College, Rivercrest Christian College, Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre and an environmental reserve.
According to CREST’s executive principal, Brendan Kelly, he, alongside staff and students, is “really excited” to officially launch the building.
“It’s just wonderful to have a vision come together in this way, and to be able to have our senior secondary students in a facility that is designed for their needs and prepare them for that next step,” he said.
The two facilities are modern, boasting sharp outer edges with a sleek and clean interior.
The first building, the senior learning centre, featured two floors, with a smaller auditorium on the eastern side from the entrance, and ample open and study spaces for students.
It was there that Senator Walsh gave her speech, addressing the importance of essential study spaces when it comes to education.
“It really is great to see this extraordinary learning area (and) I know these facilities are going to make a real difference to the school, the teachers, students and to the wider community,” she said.
“The Australian Government is committed to providing all schools with appropriate funding so that all students, including those in Hillcrest Christian College, Clyde North, get the best possible education.”
Alongside the new learning centre, there is also a wellbeing service hub, an outdoor learning courtyard, and an expansion to the middle years building.
Guests to the event were greeted by an orchestra curated by the school, and played by students, playing melodies that accompanied pleasantries.
Elvis Jemmanot, an architect and part of the broader architecture team who designed the building said that it was ecstatic seeing the project come to life.
“It’s wonderful to see the students flourish, and it’s a vision that the school had, that we translated,” he said.
“It’s that combination for me that’s really strong, and even watching these students play their music here, it’s amazing.”
Senator Walsh also added that the new facilities would benefit the current students, as well as many others who will follow in future years.
“The teacher, staff and students at Hillcrest Christian College have built a strong and positive school community and these new facilities will further enhance our local educational opportunities,” Walsh 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.”
