Sod turning marks new chapter for St Agatha’s Primary School
Photo Back from left: Jason Sceberras and Cal Haskings - Prefab 1, Annabel Carson - Brand Architects, Dermot Cannon - General Manager Infrastructure and Support Services DOSCEL, Nicola Sievers – Learning Adjustment St Agatha’s Primary School, Peter Muhlebach - Brand Architects.
Front row from left: Acting Principal Meegan Blackney – St Agatha’s Primary School, student leaders Christy Winston, Madison Fosio, Teresa Scotto Di Perta, Isabella Krotwaar, Vic Daniel Halabaso, Bishop Greg Bennet - Catholic Bishop of Sale, Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Alistair Fixter Regional Facilities Officer DOSCEL, Fr Antony Rebelo – St Agatha’s Parish Priest, Sister Victoria Orinya – Liturgy Coordinator, St Agatha’s Parish.
October 2024
Sod turning marks new chapter for St Agatha’s Primary School
Work has begun on Stage 3 of a Masterplan redevelopment project to transform St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School at Cranbourne.
To celebrate, a sod-turning ceremony was conducted by Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, accompanied by Parish Priest - Fr Antony Rebelo, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten, Acting Principal of St Agatha’s Primary School - Mrs Meegan Blackney, staff, student leaders, and members of the project team.
Acting Principal Mrs Meegan Blackney said the school was delighted to begin the Stage 3 development.
“This project will further expand facilities to meet growing enrolments now and into the future. Work will involve the demolition of the existing junior building to create a new two-storey facility comprising eight general learning areas, student amenities and a lift.”
“The construction approach is innovative in that a large part of the work will take place offsite, minimising disruption to students and staff. The building design consists of 28 modular units which will be constructed and transported to the school to be assembled on site. “
“The building had been designed with input from the school community, with a focus on pastoral care. Materials selected aim to promote a calm and supportive environment that engages children. Each entry will showcase artwork by a Bunurong artist, acknowledging the First Nations community and the values of Catholic faith and tradition.”
Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese, Mr Paul Velten, said the project represented Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments, and investment in school communities.
“This building project allows for future expansion at St Agatha’s, replacing older portable buildings with modern, flexible, learning spaces to inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential.”
The building project at a total cost of $5,407,507 is supported by a $3 million Capital Grant under the Victorian Government Capital Funding 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, led by Brand Architects and Prefab1 Pty Ltd, is planned for completion in March 2025.
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