Blessing of buildings at St Brendan's 

Blessing of two major building projects at St Brendan's Primary School Lakes Entrance 

April 2024

Staff and students at St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School in Lakes Entrance celebrated the blessing and official opening of two major building projects which have created additional learning and collaborative spaces for staff and students to thrive.

Parish Priest Fr Hiep Nguyen officially blessed the new facilities. The Hon. Ben Carroll Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, MP, opened the new facilities via video message which was played during the Opening ceremony.  The Hon. Ben Carroll expressed his congratulations to the school community on the projects.

Fr Hiep was joined by Mr Dermot Cannon – General Manager Infrastructure for Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Very Reverend Francis Otobo – DOSCEL Board Director, Mr Matthew Hamer - Principal of St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, guests, students, staff, parents, friends of the school, parish, and wider community. The official party unveiled plaques to commemorate the occasion.

Principal, Mr Matthew Hamer said the new facilities had been transformative for the school.

“The building projects consisted of Stage 1 which involved the refurbishment of existing classrooms, the addition of two general learning areas and an outdoor area. Stage 2 involved re-configuring, modernising, and extending the existing Block C building to provide eight contemporary learning areas, a multi-purpose area, landscaping, and an external hardcourt.”

Mr Hamer said the new facilities had provided additional learning spaces that provided flexibility to meet the needs of staff and students and encouraged collaboration to nurture student learning. “As a school community we are extremely grateful to all who supported these projects.”

“The official blessing and opening for these two projects was initially delayed due to COVID so it is wonderful to now formally celebrate the projects.The new facilities are providing additional resources and spaces for students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially now and into the future.”

The Stage 1 project at a cost of approximately $1.6 million was supported by the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program via a grant of $400,000. The Stage 2 project at a cost of $3million was supported by the Victorian Government Capital Funding Program via a grant of $1million and a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF).

Director of Catholic Eduication for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten thanked the Victorian Government and Catholic Development Fund for their support in bringing the projects to fruition.

About St Brendan’s Primary School

St Brendan’s has a strong tradition of inclusiveness. The school’s vision is to provide a learning environment that nurtures successful learners, in a safe, harmonious, and engaging environment. St Brendan’s upholds the teachings of Jesus Christ and aims to provide students with values that enrich their lives. The school is also committed to continue the work of Saint Mary MacKillop and are driven by her words, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.’ Students and families of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome at St Brendan’s Primary School.

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