News & Events
Sod turning marks start of construction of new learning centre for St Ita’s
MEDIA RELEASE: 20th December 2023
Work has begun on Stage 2 of a Masterplan redevelopment project to transform St Ita’s Catholic Primary School at Drouin.
A sod-turning ceremony was led by the Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet to mark the beginning of the works. The Bishop was joined by St Ita’s Parish Priest - Father Confidence Masvosva, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale - Mr Paul Velten, Principal of St Ita’s Primary School - Mr Andrew Osler, Deputy Principal Mr Stephen Pitt, and members of the project team.
Mr Olser said the school was delighted to begin the Stage 2 development which will be delivered in two phases.
“The first phase will involve demolition of existing de-mountables to construct a new learning centre incorporating six general learning areas, technology hub, breakout areas, and student amenities. The second phase will involve refurbishment of the library to create an art/music specialist space, and alterations to existing hardcourts to create outdoor learning areas.”
Mr Osler said the projects would be transformative for the school creating contemporary, vibrant, learning spaces.
“These projects follow the completion of Stage 1 projects in 2019 which created a brand-new building at the front of the school, as well as new foundation year learning spaces, administration area, library, teacher resource area, increased security, and refurbishment of other areas.”
“The Stage 2 projects will further expand facilities to meet the needs of the growing school community now and into the future.”
Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, said the project represented Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments, and investment in school communities.
“We look forward to the construction of these new facilities which aim to create contemporary faith-filled environments to inspire learning and empower students to reach their full potential.”
The Stage 2 St Ita’s Primary School project is part-funded by a $2M Victorian Government Non-Government Schools Capital Fund grant, a Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loan and the school community.
The Phase 1 construction of a new Learning Centre is expected to be completed in late 2024. Phase 2 which involves refurbishment of the library and hardcourts is estimated for completion in February 2025.
St Ita's Catholic Primary School celebrates new building
MEDIA RELEASE - 13th 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.