Official Blessing and Opening

Friday 10 May was the official opening of the Sister Aloysius Martyn Arts Centre at Coolock.

After watching the building grow from the dust at the edge of the ovals, students were able to walk through the doors on Pastoral Planning Day at the beginning of the school year despite some minor works continuing. Now that all the landscaping and finishing touches are completed the students may fully enjoy the contemporary facility which incorporates flexible learning spaces and rehearsal and performance areas.

The modern facilities, both internally and externally, reflect innovative practices designed to create new learning opportunities across a range of specialist and generalist areas. From creative arts to technology, space, noise control, flexibility and modern furnishing all encourage a collaborative learning experience.

Despite a cold and wet morning for the official opening, the building lived up to expectations by providing a warm and inviting space for a large number of students and special guests to gather. Former Catholic College Bendigo Principal and current Mercy Education Board Chair, Sr Sylvia Williams rsm and reflected on how pleased the College’s namesake Catherine McAuley would have been to see such wonderful opportunities for the education of students in Bendigo.

The Hon. Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo East and a past student herself, marvelled at the changes and wonderful facilities for current students.

While Bishop Leslie Tomlinson walked through the building to confer the blessing, the guests were entertained by Erin Howell, Miss Eliza Turner and the Catherine McAuley College Choir. This was followed by a medley of songs from Queen performed by the Catherine McAuley College Concert Band.

Afterwards, guests enjoyed morning tea and an opportunity for a closer inspection of the impressive facilities.