New science and arts expansion at St Anne’s is officially open

By Kayla Jones

Jul 29, 2024

St Anne’s College captains with Bishop Shane Mackinlay. Pictured are Courtney Miller, Riley Carkeek, Emily Zampaglione, Charli Guppy, Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Chiara Villani, Dante Mori, Delana Cavallaro-Trask and Zoe Monteleone. Photo by Contributed

St Anne’s College’s ever-evolving environment has seen its buildings grow alongside the number of year levels expanding.

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Going from just two year levels in 2019 to seeing its first ever full cohort of Prep to Year 12 next year, the college’s growth is a reflection of its success.

On Thursday, July 25, an official opening and blessing of the school’s Stage 2B expansion was held, with Bishop Shane Mackinlay attending to do the blessings.

Community members were invited to attend the opening and see the new expansion for themselves.

The new building — which includes dedicated art spaces and a science centre — will pave new paths for student learning within the college and bring comfort, opportunity and inspiration.

Break-out spaces and specialist learning areas will be available for secondary students, and there will be new general learning areas and multifunctional break-out spaces for the younger year levels.

Like the college's previous building stages, the expansion was designed by architect Dr Ken Woodman.

“Continuing to build on the first two stages of St Anne’s College, this extension delivers additional art spaces and the science centre,” Dr Woodman said.

“Guided by the innovative art and science educational approach, these spaces support large, small-group, and individual learning opportunities.

“(The art section) provides for large studio work with the opportunity for smaller workshop spaces, while science has larger laboratories for all the sciences with smaller labs for specific science experimentation.”

St Anne’s College Principal Sue Carroll said the college was excited to see where the new developments took them.

“The expanding facilities at St Anne’s College allow students to be actively involved in their education as inquiry learners where they can practice the college’s learner assets — communication, learning and self-motivation,” she said.

College Captain Chiara Villani, Bishop Shane Mackinlay and Foundation student Madeline Watts. Photo by Contributed

“I am proud to have witnessed this journey of growth and have been humbled to see students make their way through their schooling years at this college.”

This year, the college welcomed their very first cohort of Year 12 students, with many of the students having been with the college since its first year, when they were in Year 7.

“Next year, we welcome the final year level to make up a full Prep to Year 12 offering ... and we are also very excited for this to take place.”

Executive director of Catholic education Sandhurst Kate Fogarty said St Anne's College was designed with the student in mind, to support learning outcomes.

"Whether it's the new science centre or the wonderful art spaces, the purpose-built Stage 2B facilities at St Anne's College provide the perfect environment for students to be creative and to explore the exciting world of science," Ms Fogarty said.

The college is looking forward to further expansions of its campus which include technology (currently under construction) as well as a stadium, more general learning spaces and administration in future stages.