It’s all in the name: St. Peter’s College ‘GEODE CENTRE’ is a state of the art, 450 seat, Performing Arts Centre designed for not only College Performing Arts learning, assemblies and lectures, but also for the wider local community.

On Thursday 27 October the official opening of the St. Peter’s College Performing Arts Centre at the Clyde North campus took place. Mr Chris Black, Principal of St. Peter’s College stated, “We were privileged to have in attendance Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet to bless the building and Ms Pauline Richards, MLA for Cranbourne and Ms Maria Kirkwood, Director of Catholic Education and Chief Executive Officer, Diocese of Sale to officially open ‘The Geode Centre’. The total cost of the project was $15 million.

The source of funding was a Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loan of $9.5 million, the College contributed $1.5 million in cash reserves and the Victorian Government contributed $4 million in funding support through the Catholic Capital (Victoria) Limited, Program.

Ms Maria Kirkwood, said the joyful sounds of students singing praise on stage underlined the excitement and pride the school community has in showcasing this wonderful contemporary learning space. “I am certain in the months and years ahead that this centre will be a place of lively and dynamic learning activity, involving many people sharing ideas and growing together. This Blessing ceremony provides an opportunity for all of us to gather to give thanks and recognise the contributions of so many people in creating a centre of teaching excellence where young people can thrive.”

Mr Black in explaining the naming of this facility asked “Where does the name Geode come from? A Geode is a spherical rock structure which has a durable outer wall with the inner layers revealing the beauty of a cavernous core. In our context the rock is synonymous with our patron St. Peter with the full beauty of the central space only to be realised in the performances which will be presented within this space.

The Performing Arts Centre has been twelve years in the planning. The actual centre and accompanying facilities have been three years in the design phase and two and a half years in the construction. It encompasses state of the art sound and lighting. The backstage and biobox facilities will provide outstanding technical excellence to support productions and events.

Mr Black said surrounding the theatre, both downstairs and upstairs, are a suite of classroom spaces, change facilities, rehearsal spaces and green rooms. The theatre has been acoustically designed to ensure the highest quality sound production. The stage itself is a wonderful expanse to showcase the talents of our students. The backstage area presents technological excellence and facilitates easy entry points for onstage access.

'This is a centre both our campuses can be proud of. My thanks, in particular, are extended to Mr Phillip Mustey, Business Manager and Mr Adam Bonnici our Maintenance Officer. I look forward to the many events to take place in this magnificent centre, showcasing the talents of our extraordinary students".

The Geode Cente has been designed and built with not only the needs of St. Peter’s College Performing Arts learning in mind, but also the needs of the local community, making this 450-seat, state of the art, facility available for hire, bringing a much needed meeting/performance space to the communities of Clyde North, Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs. To make enquiries please contact the College at email: officecln@stpeters.vic.edu.au