St Kieran’s Primary School celebrates major building projects

Staff and students at St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School at Moe celebrated the Blessing and official opening of major refurbishment projects which have transformed the school.

Fr Daniel Szewc - St Kieran’s Parish Priest, officially Blessed and opened the new facilities. He was joined by Fr Peter Bickley - Board Director of Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for DOSCEL, Mr Peter McKenna - Principal, along with staff, students, invited guests, and friends of the school and parish community.  

Principal, Mr McKenna said the refurbishment projects had created new modern, light filled, flexible learning spaces, new administration area and staff and student amenities.

The project was delivered in two stages to minimise disruption. The first stage included the relocation of the administration area to the front of the school, and refurbishment of general learning areas.

The second stage included refurbishment of a two-storey general learning area including a lift and student toilets and additional toilets added to a further building. External works included car park extension, paths, security fencing, and new student drop off and pick up area.

Mr McKenna said the new administration building had created a welcoming entrance to the school that reflects the school’s Catholic identity and increased child safety and security. “Refurbished classrooms and amenities have increased our ability to deliver the highest quality learning, and teaching.”

Mr Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, commended the efforts of the project team, school and parish community.

“St Kieran’s is committed to providing quality education and fostering strong ties within their learning community. The new facilities have provided additional resources and spaces for students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially, now and into the future.”

The building projects at a total cost of $2,253,637 million were supported by a $1 million funding grant from the Australian Government Capital Grants Program, a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), and the school community.

A congratulatory message from the Hon. Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education, was read out to the community.

Mr Velten thanked the Australian Government and Catholic Development Fund (CDF) for their support of the projects.

About St Kieran’s Primary School, Moe

St Kieran’s Primary School, Moe opened in 1950 following an invitation from Parish Priest, Fr John Ryan (OMI), to the Presentation Sisters to establish a school to cater for families coming to the area to help develop the power station at Yallourn. Many of the students were from European backgrounds and had limited English. Many of these early families worked side-by side with those who were born here to establish buildings, a church, and a hall. A strong sense of community and sharing was born and still exists within the school and parish community today.

St Kieran’s celebrates the uniqueness of all. The school encourages a culture of excellence where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential in a faith-filled, safe community. Students and families of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome at St Kieran’s Primary School.