St Ita's Catholic Primary School celebrates new building

13 July 2023

St Ita’s Catholic Primary School at Drouin celebrated the blessing and official opening of  Stage One of a Masterplan re-development project to cater for increasing enrolments and enhance teaching and learning at the school.

Father Confidence Masvosva of St Ita’s Parish was joined by Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Andrew Osler - Principal of St Ita’s Primary School, staff, students and parish community for the blessing and official plaque unveiling.

The project involved the demolition of the former Presbytery building to make way for the construction of a brand-new building at the front of the school. This building accommodates three new foundation year learning spaces, administration area, library, and teacher resource area. External works included compliant ramp and security fencing, and gates.

In addition, the former administration and staffroom building was refurbished to create a new second staffroom and specialist rooms.

Principal of St Ita’s Primary School, Mr Andrew Osler, said the projects had been transformative for the school.

“These building and refurbishment works have created modern, spacious and light-filled areas that enhance teaching and learning as well as increased the school's capacity to cater for growing enrolments. This is the first stage of the school’s Masterplan re-development with a further Stage 2 development planned later this year.”

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, said this project was an example of the school and parish community working together to deliver the best outcomes for students.

“The new building at the front of the school was made possible through the support of the Parish which allowed the school to use the existing Presbytery site to construct the new building and increase space for student learning, teacher planning, and administration.”

Mr Velten added that the new facilities represented Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning and teaching environments and investing in Catholic schools.

“May the new facilities continue to inspire faith, inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential.”

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

The projects were funded by a Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loan, a grant from the Australian Government Capital Grant Program and the school community.