St Vincent de Paul Primary School celebrates major building projects

8 November 2023

Photo from left: St Vincent de Paul Primary School student leaders Caiden Bullard, Marley Davey, Gemma-Lee Riseley, Aria Laming, Principal Mr Dave Cooper, DOSCEL Board Director – The Hon Martin Dixon, Morwell Parish Priest - Fr James Fernandez, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten, student leaders Jet Shelton, Sam Cuschieri, Lachlan Mainella, and Christian Vozzo.

Staff and students at St Vincent de Paul Primary School at Morwell celebrated the Blessing and official opening of major refurbishment projects which have created additional learning spaces for staff and students to thrive.

Fr James Fernandez - Morwell Parish Priest, officially Blessed and opened the new facilities. He was joined by Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Dave Cooper – Principal, along with staff, students, invited guests, and friends of the school and parish community.

Principal, Mr Dave Cooper said the build was the most significant in the school's history.

“These refurbishment projects have transformed the school creating new light filled, flexible learning spaces and refurbished staff amenities.”

The project was delivered in two stages. The first stage involved demolition of six existing classrooms to create eight new general learning areas, new internal toilets, canteen and a new roof. Fire services were upgraded, and paving, drainage and landscaping works undertaken. The second stage included refurbishment of the administration area with an emphasis on security and child safety. Works included a foyer air lock, and student reception counter.

Mr Cooper said it was an exciting time in the history of the school. ”These projects have increased our ability to deliver the highest quality learning and teaching, and safety for our students.”

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

“St Vincent de Paul Primary School 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 $4 million were supported by a $2 million funding grant from the Australian Government Capital Grants Program, a loan from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), and the school community.

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

About St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Morwell

St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Morwell has a diverse student population. The school encourages a culture of excellence where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential in a faith-filled, safe community. Each child is fostered – spiritually, morally, intellectually emotionally, physically, creatively and socially. Students and families of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome at St Vincent’s Primary School.

Photo above: Unveiling the plague to officially open the new building at St Vincent De Paul Primary School are from left: Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten and Morwell Parish Priest - Fr James Fernandez.

Photo above: Student leaders conduct readings during the service to bless and open the new buildings at St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Morwell led by Morwell Parish Priest, Father James Fernandez.

Photo above: Father James Fernandez blesses the new buildings followed by Principal Mr Dave Cooper and DOSCEL Board Director, the Hon Martin Dixon.

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