Blessing of St Martha building at St Peter's College

St Peter’s Catholic College, Cranbourne celebrated the blessing and official opening of its new Hospitality and Performing Arts precinct named the St Martha Building at its Clyde North campus.

Father Joseph Abutu, Parish Priest of St Agatha’s Parish, Cranbourne, officially blessed the building, joined by guests including Ms Cassandra Fernando MP - Federal Member for Holt, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Chris Black - Principal of St Peter’s College Cranbourne, staff, students, and parish community. The official party unveiled a plaque marking the significant occasion.

The St Martha Building complements the College’s state-of-the-art Geode Performing Arts Centre and provides a commercial kitchen, café, outdoor alfresco area and a dedicated music, drama, and dance space. The commercial kitchen operates as a business integrated into VCE Vocation programs providing students with an opportunity to gain valuable industry skills and qualifications.

Principal of St Peter’s College, Mr Chris Black, said the projects had been transformative for the College.

“These building works have created modern, spacious, and light-filled areas that enhance teaching and learning as well as increased the school's capacity to cater for growing enrolments.

“The café/cafeteria is providing students with the opportunity to operate a commercial catering facility as part of their studies. By connecting students to real-life experiences and engaging with the local community, St Peter’s fosters a sense of belonging and enhances student well-being while providing valuable VET certification and industry experience.”

Mr Black also enthused about the technological capabilities found within the suite of music facilities.

“This, together with the creative performing arts spaces, provide an optimal learning environment culminating in performance opportunities for students within the adjacent Performing Arts Centre.”

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, added that the new facilities represented Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning and teaching environments and investing in Catholic schools.

“May the new facilities continue to inspire faith, inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential.”

The St Martha Building Project 6A was funded by the Australian Government under the Capital Grants Program and a Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loan.

Photo below:  Plaque ceremony. From left: Ms Marcelina Tombra - St Peter’s College Student Captain, Mr Paul Velten Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Ms Cassandra Fernando MP - Federal Member for Holt, Mr Chris Black - Principal of St Peter’s College Cranbourne, Father Joseph Abutu - Parish Priest of St Agatha’s Parish Cranbourne, and Mr Jake Bennett – St Peter’s College Student Captain.