St Peter's College celebrates blessing of new Administration Centre, Arts Precinct and Applied Learning Centre

19 September 2023

Staff and students at St Peter’s College, Cranbourne celebrated the Blessing and official opening of three new state-of-the-art building projects which have created vibrant and spacious learning spaces for students and staff to flourish.

Father Joseph Abutu, Parish Priest of St Agatha’s Parish, Cranbourne, officially blessed the new Arts Precinct, Administration Centre and Applied Learning Centre at the Cranbourne campus as well as commissioning a new statue installation, Peter Meets Jesus.

Father Abutu was joined by Mr Paul Velten - Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale (DOSCEL), Mr Chris Black - Principal of St Peter’s College, Cranbourne along with special guests including the Hon. Mr Martin Dixon and Mr John Swan - Board Directors of DOSCEL, Mr Matthew Cassin - CEO of the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), members of the project team,  along with St Peter’s College staff, students, and members of the school and parish community. The official party unveiled plaques to mark the occasion.

St Peter’s College Principal, Mr Chris Black said the three building projects form part of a Project Masterplan for the Cranbourne campus to meet the needs of the growing school community now and into the future.

“These projects have been transformative for the Campus, expanding learning and teaching opportunities and enhancing the College’s administrative operations.

“The new Administration Centre provides a welcoming central hub comprising reception, first aid area, meeting spaces, finance department, offices, staff amenities and collaborative workspaces. New traffic management and parking areas complement the building.”

“The new centralised Arts Precinct has further strengthened the strong Arts program offered at St Peter’s. It features open and flexible learning spaces, an outdoor kiln and sculpture area, and designated display areas for exhibitions of student work.”

“The Applied Learning Centre is providing opportunities for students to develop Vocational Major and VET competencies and valuable industry skills and experience. It offers Hospitality infrastructure including a commercial kitchen and café, technology facilities including woodwork and machinery, and a recording studio to promote student literacy through the development of community radio.”

Mr Black said the new facilities enabled the College to meet the needs of a growing student population by providing a broad curriculum range to ensure young people can complete their schooling locally.

“We are also thrilled to unveil our new statue, Peter Meets Jesus by artist Jenny Steiner. The images depict a time in the Gospels where Jesus challenges Peter – the Rock, to become the foundation upon which His Church, the people, will be built. It reminds all who pass by that we are called to be in relationship with Christ.”

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, said the

new facilities represented Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities.

“It is wonderful to see the way staff and students at St Peter’s College are flourishing in these new facilities.”

“May these buildings continue to inspire faith and inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.”

The building projects were funded by Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loans and the school community.

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