Celebrating a new Senior Learning Centre at St Agatha’s

December 2025

Celebrating a new Senior Learning Centre at St Agatha’s

The St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School community at Cranbourne gathered to celebrate the Blessing and official opening of their new two storey Year 5 and 6 Learning Centre.

Parish Priest, Fr Antony Rebelo and Fr Prabhu Antony led the blessing of the building. They were joined by The Hon. Pauline Richards MP, State Member for Cranbourne who officially opened the new facility along with Executive Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale (DOSCEL) - Mr Paul Velten and Principal of St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School - Ms Michelle Bruitzman.

Special guests included DOSCEL Board Directors - Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen and the Hon. Martin Dixon, along with members of the project team, staff, students, invited guests and representatives of the school and parish community.

Principal Michelle Bruitzman said the school was thrilled to officially open the Senior Learning Centre, which was part of Stage 3 works completed earlier this year.

The Stage 3 works included demolition of an existing building, and construction of the new two-storey senior learning centre comprising of general learning areas and other associated spaces.

The building was designed with input from the school community.

A feature is a commissioned artwork of Jesus on the Cross by local artist Pamela McKillop who is also the Deputy Principal of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School.

The entrance to the building features a sculpture designed by indigenous artist, Kobi Sainty featuring the Bunurong River symbol and cross hatching to honour Bunurong ancestors.

Ms Bruitzman said together these features embody the Catholic faith and respect for First Nation’s heritage enriching the school’s spiritual and cultural landscape.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese, Mr Paul Velten, commended the project team, school and parish community and all those involved in bringing the project to fruition.

“Construction was innovative with 28 modular units built off site and then assembled at the school, minimising disruption to school operations and students and resulting in a shorter construction time. “

“It is wonderful to see staff and students enjoying these wonderful new learning spaces which have also extended the school’s ability to meet growing enrolments now and into the future.”

The Stage 3 building project, at a total cost of $5,424,537, was supported by a $3 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund 2022-23– Catholic stream program, and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Velten thanked the Victorian Government, and the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) for their support of the project. The project was led by Brand Architects and Prefab1 Pty Ltd.